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CEOs Question AI Competence of Management Teams, Highlighting Critical Skill Gaps in HR and Leadership
Over 75% of CEOs see AI reshaping the economy but doubt their management teams’ AI skills, especially in HR, finance, and marketing. Upskilling current leaders is crucial to stay competitive.

Competitiveness at Risk: CEOs Doubt AI Knowledge of Their Management Teams
More than 75% of CEOs agree that artificial intelligence is reshaping the economy. Yet, most express serious doubts about the AI knowledge and skills within their own management teams. This lack of confidence extends beyond technical roles and is especially striking in areas like HR, finance, and marketing.
Where CEOs See Gaps in AI Skills
Among technical leadership, only 46% of CEOs trust their Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to have adequate AI expertise. Confidence in the Chief Information Officer (CIO) is slightly lower, around 44%, while just 40% believe their Chief Data Officer (CDO) possesses the right AI skills.
Non-technical leaders fare worse in CEOs’ eyes. Less than 20% of CEOs trust the AI capabilities of heads of finance, marketing, or sales. Interestingly, these same leaders are rated three times higher on general technology skills compared to AI-specific knowledge. The lowest ratings belong to HR managers, with fewer than 10% of CEOs confident in their AI competence.
Why This Matters for Business Competitiveness
Without strong AI skills at the management level, companies risk falling behind in adapting to economic changes driven by AI. Talent shortages in the labor market worsen the problem, making it harder to find qualified AI professionals. Economic uncertainty further complicates planning and investment.
Internal training emerges as a crucial solution. CEOs and analysts emphasize that success depends less on hiring new talent and more on upskilling existing employees to integrate AI into daily workflows. This approach helps bridge the skill gap and aligns teams with AI-driven business goals.
Current State of AI Training in Companies
A survey of 456 CEOs highlights the urgent need for AI skill development at the boardroom level. In Germany, for instance, many companies lack clear AI training strategies. Budget constraints and uncertainty about which qualifications matter most stall progress. On top of that, many employees show little interest in acquiring AI skills, creating an additional barrier.
Take Action Now
- Assess the AI knowledge across your management team honestly.
- Prioritize targeted AI training programs to build relevant skills internally.
- Encourage managers in HR, finance, marketing, and sales to gain foundational AI competencies.
- Consider reputable AI courses and training resources designed for management roles to close the gap quickly.
Building AI literacy within your leadership is no longer optional—it’s essential for sustaining competitiveness. For practical AI training options tailored to managers, explore offerings like those at Complete AI Training, which provide focused courses to help management teams get up to speed efficiently.