What: Corporate AI spending is set to double in 2026, with CEOs leading decision making and focusing on workforce transformation and ROI.

Why it is important: The focus on CEO leadership and workforce transformation echoes recent reports showing that only organizations with strong executive commitment succeed in realizing AI’s full potential.

As AI becomes a central business priority, companies are set to double their AI spending in 2026, with CEOs now taking the lead in both strategy and execution. This shift marks a significant evolution in how organisations approach digital transformation, moving beyond IT departments to a top-down integration of AI across all functions. CEOs are not only increasing financial commitments but also dedicating substantial time to their own upskilling and to developing their workforce, recognising that success depends on both technology and people. The optimism among CEOs about AI’s return on investment is at an all-time high, particularly in Asia, while Western leaders face greater pressure from investors and market expectations. Despite ongoing concerns about data privacy and the challenges of embedding AI deeply into operations, the most forward-thinking CEOs are driving large-scale change, creating a cycle of faster adoption and stronger returns. This leadership-driven approach is reshaping the retail landscape, setting new standards for productivity, innovation, and competitive advantage.

IADS Notes: The surge in AI investments and the growing role of CEOs as primary decision makers reflect a pivotal shift in retail, where leadership commitment is now recognized as essential for successful technology-driven transformation. Despite ambitious spending plans, recent industry analyses from December 2025 and November 2025 reveal that only a minority of retailers have managed to scale AI initiatives effectively, with persistent challenges in data privacy, cybersecurity, and workforce readiness. The most successful organizations are those whose CEOs move beyond incremental efficiency gains to drive comprehensive business model innovation, as highlighted in July 2025 and April 2025. These trailblazers are not only investing in technology but also prioritizing upskilling and cultural change, resulting in measurable improvements in productivity and customer satisfaction. However, the mounting pressure on CEOs to deliver results is contributing to unprecedented turnover, as noted in January 2026, underscoring the complexity and urgency of leading retail through this era of digital disruption.

As AI investments surge, CEOs take the lead on decision-making and upskilling themselves - press release

As AI investments surge, CEOs take the lead - full article

As AI investments surge, CEOs take the lead - slideshow