In a fascinating new development, tech company CEOs are taking the AI-first approach to a new level by using AI avatars to replace themselves in earnings calls. This week, Klarna and Zoom joined the trend, showcasing AI-generated versions of their CEOs to present their company’s results. The move highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in leadership and business communication, as well as a glimpse into the future of corporate reporting.
Klarna CEO’s AI Avatar Takes the Spotlight
Klarna, the popular buy-now-pay-later company, made headlines when its CEO and co-founder, Sebastian Siemiatkowski, used an AI avatar to present the company’s Q1 2025 results. In an 83-second video, the AI avatar introduces itself by saying, “It’s me, or rather, my AI avatar,” before diving into the financial details. The use of an AI version of Siemiatkowski is not entirely new for Klarna, as the company has been vocal about its AI investments, even mentioning that they’ve reduced their workforce as a result of implementing more AI technologies.
Zoom CEO Embraces AI for Earnings Call Presentation
Similarly, Zoom CEO Eric Yuan also took the AI avatar route during the company’s Q1 2026 earnings call. In a video, Yuan’s avatar kicked off the report, proudly saying, “I’m using our custom avatars for Zoom Clips with AI Companion to share my part of the earnings report.” Yuan described himself as one of the first CEOs to use an avatar in this setting. The video also included a message that stated it was “created with Zoom AI Companion,” highlighting the company’s own AI technology used to craft the avatar.
Human Interaction in AI-Powered Earnings Calls
Although both Siemiatkowski and Yuan turned to AI avatars for the presentation of their earnings, they both appeared live for the Q&A portions of their respective calls. Yuan, in particular, expressed his enthusiasm for the new technology, saying, “I truly love my AI-generated avatar,” and suggesting that Zoom would continue using it in the future. Yuan has been an advocate for the concept of “digital twins,” AI versions of people that can attend meetings or represent them in various settings. This shift to digital avatars for earnings calls is another step in his vision of digital transformation in corporate communication.
The Future of AI in Corporate Leadership
The trend of CEOs using AI avatars to deliver earnings reports raises interesting questions about the future of leadership and corporate communication. It also signals the growing reliance on AI to streamline business processes, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday business functions, it may become increasingly common for leaders to use AI avatars not just for presentations but for more interactive roles within their companies. For now, these AI-powered earnings calls are a glimpse into a future where technology and leadership are more intertwined than ever before.
As AI continues to evolve, the line between human and digital presence may become increasingly blurred, opening up new possibilities for how CEOs and executives interact with their stakeholders.
