AI is fast-tracking the rise of the ‘Z-Suite’: Research

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Four in five senior leaders believe younger employees are reaching leadership positions earlier than previous generations, while 92% would consider appointing Gen Z talent to senior roles.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not only changing how employees work, but could also be reshaping how organisations identify, develop, and promote the next generation of leaders, according to new research from International Workplace Group (IWG).

The Z-Suite Report: How a New Generation is Evolving the Boardroom found that 82% of senior leaders surveyed believe AI is fast-tracking the rise of younger leaders, while 80% said younger employees are reaching leadership positions earlier than previous generations.

Meanwhile, 92% said they would be likely to appoint a Gen Z candidate to a senior leadership role.

The research was conducted between 12 June and 15 July 2026 among 1,000 company leaders in the UK and US, evenly split between respondents aged 21 to 29 and those aged 35 and above.

*While the survey was conducted in the US, HRO believes the results remain relevant to our readership in Asia.

AI becomes a leadership accelerator

Among leaders aged 21 to 29, 80% said AI gives them knowledge they would previously have needed years of experience to acquire, while 79% said the technology enables them to perform tasks beyond their current level of seniority.

The impact extends to confidence and strategic contribution. Some 78% said AI had increased their confidence in taking on leadership responsibilities, while 79% believe it helps them contribute more strategically. A further 86% believe they are progressing faster than previous generations.

Perhaps reflecting that confidence, 95% of respondents aged 21 to 29 believe they are likely to hold a senior leadership role by the age of 30.

The lead image is generated by AI