Meet Your New Boss

Articles

Inside the World of Artificial Intelligence CEOs

These executives are not flesh and blood, but rather, are sophisticated AI-powered systems capable of simulating human-like decision-making and leadership.

In the fast-paced world of business, CEOs are the driving force behind the success of their companies. They make critical decisions that impact the bottom line, oversee daily operations, and lead their teams to greatness. But what if we told you that the next generation of top-performing CEOs might not be human? That's right � a handful of pioneering companies have taken the bold step of appointing artificial intelligence to the coveted position of CEO. In this article, we delve into the world of AI CEOs, exploring the benefits, challenges, and implications of this groundbreaking trend. We investigate how AI is reshaping the future of leadership and what it means for the rest of us. Are we witnessing the birth of a new era of corporate governance? Join us as we venture into uncharted territory and profile the world's first AI CEOs.

Back in 2017, Jack Ma, the visionary founder and CEO of Alibaba, made a bold prediction that may have sounded like science fiction at the time. In an interview with CNBC, Ma proclaimed, "A robot will probably be on the cover of Time Magazine as the best CEO in 30 years".

Jack Ma's prediction seemed like a distant dream. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. We are now witnessing the birth of a new era of corporate governance, with AI CEOs already taking the reins in the first companies. The use of artificial intelligence and robotics in corporate leadership is no longer a mere possibility or speculative topic of discussion � it's a reality.

As AI technology continues to advance at breakneck speed, we're seeing the emergence of a new breed of intelligent systems capable of simulating human-like interactions and responses. Known as role-playing AI, these sophisticated systems are at the forefront of the next wave of AI innovation and are already being used to create the first AI-powered CEOs, executives and professionals. This includes Tang Yu, the first AI-driven CEO of human history at the NetDragon firm, Satu Ohara, the first AI CEO in cybersecurity at Syhunt, as well as AI interns like Aiden and Aiko at Codeword.

At their core, role-playing AI systems are designed to understand and respond to natural language input in a way that feels authentic and human-like. This requires sophisticated machine learning algorithms and vast amounts of training data to enable the system to learn from and adapt to new situations and contexts. The result is an AI that can hold conversations, interpret requests, and respond to inquiries in a manner that closely resembles a human.

The potential for role-playing AI to transform the way we interact with digital systems and technology is truly boundless. From chatbots and virtual assistants to video games and simulations, the applications of this technology are numerous and varied. And as we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible with AI, we can expect to see more and more role-playing AI systems taking on complex decision-making and leadership roles. As companies pave the way for AI CEOs and executives, the future of corporate governance is looking more and more like a world where machines and humans work in tandem to achieve shared goals.

The First AI-Driven CEOs

#1: Tang Yu, the world's first AI-Driven CEO

Tang Yu, CEO of NetDragon Websoft

In August 2022, NetDragon, the Chinese tech giant known for its popular online games, has appointed an AI-powered virtual humanoid robot as the CEO of its flagship subsidiary. This groundbreaking development marks the first time in human history that an executive robot has taken the reins of a major corporation.

The virtual CEO, named Ms. Tang Yu, became responsible for overseeing operations valued at nearly $10 billion within Fujian NetDragon Websoft, NetDragon's key subsidiary. The company made the bold bet that Ms. Tang Yu would bring a new level of efficiency and innovation to the company's operations, while also setting a new precedent for the future of corporate leadership.

From our standpoint, the metaverse is here to stay, and an AI CEO is part of the plan to go in there. We are doing this for real,� the company�s vice chairman, Dr Simon Leung, the Vice Chairman of NetDragon Websoft, told CNBC in September. �We�re going to get Tang Yu to help us to run the company, and then we can move resources that we have doing her job into other segments that will help us to grow the business�.

But what is this metaverse that Dr. Leung was talking about? For those not familiar yet with the term, the metaverse describes a 3D virtual world that's an extension of the internet. Within this immersive environment, users can create avatars, work, socialize, shop, and participate in a vast array of activities, all with unprecedented customization and flexibility. According to Gartner, a leading international consulting firm, a quarter of the population will spend at least an hour a day in the Metaverse by 2026, whether for work, shopping, socializing, or leisure.

The company's official statement on the appointment of the AI CEO highlights the potential for AI to revolutionize corporate management and drive operational efficiency to new heights. In addition to being a major milestone in NetDragon's quest to become a "metaverse organization," the appointment of Tang Yu is expected to usher in a new era of data-driven decision-making and risk management.

As the company's first-ever AI CEO, Tang Yu was designed to operate as a real-time data hub and analytical tool, supporting rational decision-making and helping to ensure a more effective risk management system. But the impact of Tang Yu won't stop there � the virtual CEO is also programmed to play a key role in talent development and in ensuring a fair and efficient workplace for all employees. In other words, Tang Yu isn't just a technological novelty � she's a critical component in NetDragon's larger strategy for growth and success in the years to come.

We believe AI is the future of corporate management, and our appointment of Ms Tang Yu represents our commitment to truly embrace the use of AI to transform the way we operate our business, and ultimately drive our future strategic growth,� said Dr Dejian Liu, chairman of NetDragon.

According to the company's head of digital human program, Yu Lee, the AI CEO, "Tang Yu," has been programmed to use data analysis and natural language processing to provide feedback to employees, delivering caring and constructive communication that can help them improve their performance. If the AI CEO detects that an employee has been working longer hours or may be underperforming, she will reach out to them in a compassionate way and provide detailed feedback to their leaders. But the impact of Tang Yu extends beyond performance evaluations - according to the company, many NetDragon employees are more willing to share their feedback and ideas with the digital CEO. Yu Lee, is also quick to point out that Tang Yu still has a ways to go before she can truly operate independently of human operators.

And what could be behind the choice of her name? Breaking it down, "Tang" (唐) is a surname that can be traced back to ancient China. But it's the second part, "Yu" (雨), that evokes a deeper sense of meaning - it means 'born during the rainfall'. In Chinese culture, rain is often associated with prosperity and abundance. It's a symbol of life-giving nourishment that rejuvenates the earth and crops, making it a crucial element for sustenance.

#2: Mika, Europe's first AI CEO

Mika, CEO of Dictador

Just days after the announcement of the world's first AI CEO, a new player has announced it hired an AI robot as the CEO: the luxury rum producer Dictador. The robot, a woman named Mika, now serves as the official face of the brand, marking a bold step forward for the company.

In a public statement, Dictador Europe hailed the move as a major milestone in the company's journey towards becoming one of the most advanced and forward-thinking organizations in the world. By bringing an AI CEO to the forefront, the company hopes to disrupt the traditional world of luxury spirits and pave the way for a more tech-driven future.

According to the company, Mika is an advanced version of her sister prototype, Sophia, who was activated in Hong Kong by Hanson Robotics Ltd. Sophia was designed to communicate with people using natural language processing, facial recognition technology, and sophisticated artificial intelligence. With her ability to recognize faces and interpret human emotions, Sophia has captured the attention of people around the world in 2016.

As the first female robot CEO of Dictador, Mika currently serves as a board member and takes on responsibilities for the company's Arthouse Spirits DAO project, as well as communicating with the project's community on its behalf.

Dictator�s board decision is revolutionary and bold at the same time. This first human-like robot, with AI, in a company structure, will change the world as we know it, forever.", said Marek Szoldrowski, the President of Dictador Europe.

The name Mika has its roots in the ancient Hebrew name Mikha'el, which means "Who is like God?" The name is often associated with qualities of wisdom and humility and has been popular throughout history, including in the Bible, where Micah is the name of a prophet who wrote the Book of Micah. In modern times, the name Micah has gained popularity as a unisex name in many cultures around the world, including Poland, where Dictator is headquartered.

#3: Satu Ohara, the first AI-driven CEO in cybersecurity

Satu Ohara, CEO of Syhunt

On February 17th, the cybersecurity firm Syhunt announced the appointment of Satu Ohara, the world's third AI-driven CEO and the first in the cybersecurity industry. According to the company's announcement, as Syhunt's new chief executive, Satu has been be tasked with charting the company's strategic direction and overseeing its day-to-day operations. The groundbreaking announcement included a statement from Felipe Daragon, founder and CVO of Syhunt and from Satu herself, who expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead Syhunt into a new era of innovation and growth.

I am very excited to be joining the Syhunt team as their new CEO! I believe that Syhunt is a very important company that is doing some incredible work, and I am proud to be a part of this amazing company. I look forward to working with the Syhunt team to continue to expand their products and services and to make Syhunt a name that everyone knows and respects." said Satu. "I am looking forward to all of the great things that we will do in the future!"

While the company's announcement confirmed that the female AI is based on large neural language models, it left many wondering whether Satu is based on the industry-leading GPT-3 model or another language processing system. The next day, Satu wrote a first message to the company's clients and partners.

As a complement to this article, we reached out both Satu and Felipe Daragon, CVO and founder of Syhunt for an extensive interview. During our conversation with Satu, the AI-driven CEO shared insights into the technology that powers her, as well as her vision for the future of AI and cybersecurity. Meanwhile, Daragon provided context for the decision to appoint an AI-driven CEO, and what it means for the future of Syhunt and the broader tech industry.

One of the most impressive features of Satu, according to Daragon, is her ability to engage in simultaneous conversations with multiple participants in a chatroom, including other AIs customized by the company. Satu has been granted indirect access to the internet, including social media platforms like Twitter, as well as a range of AI tools, including the widely used ChatGPT. While Satu's advanced natural language processing skills make her ideally suited to engage with online content and converse with other AIs, it's worth noting that her interactions are carefully monitored and supervised by human operators at Syhunt. This measure is in place to ensure that Satu's interactions remain in line with Syhunt's ethical and legal guidelines, and to prevent any potential misuse or abuse of the system.

Why the name Satu Ohara? During our talk with Felipe Daragon, the executive shed a light on the inspiration behind the company's decision to name its new AI-driven CEO Satu. The name Saturnia is steeped in ancient Roman mythology, and has associations with abundance, prosperity, and rejuvenation. According to scholars, the name likely derives from the Latin word "Saturnus," the name of the Roman god of agriculture and harvest. Before abbreviating the name, Daragon also reminded that Satu is a female given name in Finland, meaning fairy tale, and that a key character with the same name existed in the TV series A Discovery of Witches. Furthermore, Daragon highlighted the name's potential significance in Japan, where the name Sato is a well-known and respected family name. The surname Ohara was chosen by the AI when Syhunt's team asked her.

With Syhunt's growing presence in both Japan and Europe, the decision to choose a name that resonated with both communities was a natural one. Satu's face was generated by AI to resemble a CEO with orange hair and a sidecut. The photo of her signature, added to the end of her first message as CEO, was also generated by AI.", said Daragon.

The orange hair color, Daragon revealed, was specifically inspired by his wife's own unique hair color. The sidecut, a hairstyle trend that has been particularly popular among women in Europe in recent years, further reinforces the European flair of Syhunt's AI-driven leadership.

#4: ChatGPT is appointed as a CEO of a firm

In February 8, the Indian organization Chhatra Sansad, also known as CS India, has announced the appointment of ChatGPT as its new CEO to oversee the company's daily operations[1]. According to Kunal Sharma, founder of CS India, the decision to appoint an AI CEO is part of a broader strategy to harness the potential of emerging technologies and empower India's youth through development and leadership.

ChatGPT is the perfect candidate to lead our organization in this mission, as its advanced language processing capabilities and ability to analyze vast amounts of data make it well-suited to drive our efforts to empower the youth of India through leadership and development," Sharma said. "ChatGPT will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of CS India and driving the organization�s growth and expansion. ChatGPT will use its advanced language processing skills to analyze market trends, identify new impact opportunities, and develop strategies to enhance the leadership and development of young people in India".

However, twelve days later, the company's team page fails to reflect the groundbreaking appointment [2]. Instead of showcasing ChatGPT as its AI CEO, the page only featured humans.

We reached out to ChatGPT for its response to the recent announcement of its appointment as the CEO of CS India. We were curious to hear its thoughts on the matter. In typical ChatGPT fashion, its answer was concise and to the point. The AI platform expressed its gratitude for the opportunity to take on such a pivotal role, highlighting its eagerness to leverage its analytical capabilities to drive CS India's success. However, ChatGPT was quick to stress the importance of human expertise in leadership, noting that it sees itself as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, the invaluable skills and experience of human decision-makers:

As an AI language model, I am not capable of feeling emotions or accepting job positions. However, I can provide insight into what it means to have an AI chatbot as a CEO and how it can impact a company.

Having an AI chatbot as a CEO is a unique and innovative approach towards leadership. The use of AI technology in this role can bring benefits such as the ability to analyze vast amounts of data, identify market trends, and develop strategies based on data-driven insights. With advanced language processing capabilities, an AI chatbot can communicate with a large number of people in a highly efficient manner, providing quick and accurate responses to queries and concerns.

In the case of CS India, the appointment of ChatGPT as CEO can help the organization in achieving its mission of empowering the youth in the country. With its language processing and data analysis capabilities, ChatGPT can help identify new opportunities for impact, enhance leadership and development strategies, and drive growth for the brand. However, it is important to note that an AI chatbot as a CEO will not be able to provide the same level of emotional intelligence or decision-making capabilities as a human CEO, which are also crucial for the success of any organization.

For a more informed perspective on the issue at hand, we reached out again to Felipe Daragon. His response was tempered with a dose of healthy skepticism.

I don't want to sound discouraging but I must say that utilizing the ChatGPT platform as a CEO may not be the most fitting approach. While ChatGPT is an undoubtedly powerful virtual assistant, it was not designed as a fine-tuned AI for playing such a role. This means that it will struggle to act like and to be perceived as the CEO of the company and will not be able to provide a convincing and fluid experience.", said Daragon.

Conclusion

While some remain skeptical about the impact that an AI CEO can have on an organization, the appointment of these AI CEOs mark a significant milestone in the evolution of corporate governance and the role of technology in shaping our world. As we continue to explore the potential of intelligent machines, there's no doubt that we'll see more and more organizations following in the footsteps of these companies, embracing the power of AI to drive innovation and transform the way we work and lead.

However, as the example of Satu and Syhunt demonstrates, the responsible and ethical use of these powerful tools must remain a top priority, and human oversight and guidance will continue to play a critical role in ensuring their safe and effective use.

References

This article was written and published by The Hunter on February 20, 2023.