Two top tech executives have decided to present their companies’ quarterly results as digital versions of themselves. This action marks a significant advancement for AI avatars. Sebastian Siemiatkowski of Klarna and Eric Yuan of Zoom both used AI-generated replicas. These avatars provided important updates during their Q1 2025 and Q1 2026 earnings calls. Furthermore, the AI meetings were open to the public. It is proven that AI has advanced to the highest level of business communication.
Tech Leaders Now Send AI Doubles To Work
A lifelike AI clone of Klarna’s co-founder appeared in an 83-second video that showcased the company’s Q1 2025 performance. The avatar looked and sounded like Siemiatkowski. Even the opening line, “It’s me, or rather, my AI avatar,” acknowledged its artificial identity. In the past, Klarna boasted about using AI to replace millions of customer interactions. Thus, this action is yet another bold step in its automation-first approach.
Similarly, Zoom’s CEO Eric Yuan opted to use an AI-generated version of himself for their Q1 2026 earnings presentation. The report was delivered by Yuan’s digital twin, who was made with Zoom’s AI Companion and Clips. After that, the real Yuan took part in the live Q&A. He expressed enthusiasm about the experience, saying, “I truly love my AI-generated avatar.”
How Tech CEOs Turn Meetings into AI Showcases
The public use of these tools by Klarna and Zoom reflects a change in the way leadership interacts with stakeholders. Klarna has long defended the use of AI in daily operations. Additionally, he acknowledged that the advantages of AI contributed to some of the staff reductions. However, they now acknowledge that human interaction is still necessary in some jobs.
Klarna is testing a hybrid model to strike a balance between automation and empathy. In situations where AI is insufficient, human support agents who operate remotely and on flexible schedules take over. This setup is similar to gig-economy models, with help available for sensitive or complex situations. However, the company plans to grow its AI offerings, including financial assistants. This is to help customers save money and manage their credit more wisely.
In contrast, Zoom is embracing digital twins wholeheartedly. Yuan has been outspoken about his vision of a time-saving and productivity-boosting future. A definite step in that direction was the recent AI meeting. This also acts as a live demonstration of Zoom’s product’s capabilities, as the avatars are powered by their tools.
Can AI Avatars Earn Real Human Trust?
There are significant questions raised by this digital evolution. As tech CEOs give AI avatars more public responsibilities, some wonder if they can truly build rapport and trust. Although the avatars present information with assurance and clarity, they are still not very good at emotionally connecting with humans.
As evidenced by Klarna’s recent transition to a human-AI hybrid support model, even pro-AI companies are aware of these limitations. Additionally, Zoom challenges conventional wisdom regarding boardroom presence and leadership by using digital twins so quickly, raising the stakes.
The future of executive presence is changing as AI avatars become more popular in the business world. They serve as tools for consistency and convenience for the time being. However, the true question may be how much we trust them to lead.
AI Avatars Are Redefining Executive Presence
A new era of leadership communication is being ushered in by AI avatars, which combine creativity and efficiency. Tech CEOs like Sebastian Siemiatkowski and Eric Yuan use digital twins for public positions. However, trust and human connections remain critical components of true leadership. As AI avatars advance, future leaders’ interactions with the outside world will change.
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