How is AI helping CEOs Build Long-Term Strategic Growth?

A rising need for agility in the workplace means that C-suite leaders are integrating AI in their strategic decision making, according to a report from Capgemini.

The consulting firm finds that within the C-suite, one in six CXOs are actively using AI in their decision making journey, with the report predicting that number to double within the next three years. 

Across most of the key C-suite roles, CEOs are some of the most prolific users of AI. Current active use of AI among CEOs was nearly twice that of all other CXOs, excluding tech leaders. 

Notably, two in five CEOs are currently experimenting with AI integration in their decision making processes, the highest out of any group.

Discussing these trends, Simon Rost, CMO of GE Healthcare, says: “Setting the strategic direction used to be a static exercise. That model doesn’t hold anymore.

“Now, real-time AI intelligence enables us to continuously review decisions against real-time KPIs, course correct when needed, and even pivot without losing long-term vision.”

AI as a strategic enabler

Capgemini’s report mirrors a growing trend among leading CEOs further utilising AI.

In a LinkedIn post, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadalla revealed GPT-5 in Microsoft Copilot has become a part of his everyday workflow, describing how he uses it to plan for meetings, draft project updates and assess risks and results. 

Satya says this “adds a new level of intelligence,” freeing up space to focus on key decision-making. 

Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, is also using AI to streamline his leadership strategy. According to a 2025 report from Harvard Business Review, Marc often consults AI in his planning process. 

This includes using the technology to assess market trends, technological developments and positioning of customers. 

Plus, once an initial strategy has been drafted in collaboration with other CXOs, Marc uses AI tools to conduct a competitive analysis, identifying strengths and giving him recommendations for improvement. 

Improving the decision-making process

For C-suite leaders looking to increase the use of AI in their decision making process, Capgemini recommends taking several critical actions. 

Accountability should remain at the heart of leadership, so leaders will want to revamp the AI governance processes of their organisation. 

From there, companies must build a framework to evaluate where and when AI can help, with more strategic decisions likely needing higher levels of human input. 

To unlock a true competitive advantage, Capgemini recommends leveraging human-AI chemistry. 

It suggests that productivity gains from early AI adoption will diminish as more companies adopt the technology, so added value will come from the unique experiences and insights of CXOs. 

With 42% of C-suite members considering the ‘stagnation of ideas or creativity due to common use of AI in the industry’ as a top risk in using AI for decision making, infusing AI assisted outcomes with human experience may be the best way to gain a long-term strategic advantage. 

Marjolein Wenderich, Vice President, Global MD – Workforce and Organisation at Capgemini, says of the report: “For CXOs, the real opportunity with AI lies in reimagining leadership by upskilling themselves, building AI fluency and redesigning CXO roles. 

“Greater understanding and fluency, when combined with clear governance, encourages leaders to confidently collaborate with AI to make informed choices.”