Garrett Dalton, CDO & CIO at SAVENCIA GOURMET, and Guilhem Senegas, CIO & Head of Digital Transformation at ELECTROLUX PROFESSIONAL – Why does the acculturation of people matter for successful AI adoption

The discussion highlighted the significant challenge of AI adoption, noting that over 70% of digital and AI transformations fail due to poor data governance, quality processes, and cultural adoption. Both companies stressed the importance of embracing AI to stay competitive and ensure long-term survival. AI is essential for all sectors, with 80% of global marketers using it to enhance customer experience. The gap between AI leaders and laggards is expected to be wider than in previous digital transformations.

AI offers both opportunities and challenges, especially for companies not inherently digital. Successful AI projects have shown significant production value and increased employee engagement. The panelists warned that failing to adopt AI could result in a loss of competitiveness and, ultimately, business survival. AI has the potential to increase revenues by 15%, improve productivity, and foster creativity.

“It’s a matter of long-term survival. AI can increase revenues by 15% and improve productivity and creativity. If we don’t adapt, our competitors will, and we’ll lose the battle. We need to act fast.”

Garrett Dalton, CDO & CIO at Savencia Gourmet

To cope with these challenges, both CDIOs expressed the need for swift and decisive action in change management, recommending a one to three investment ratio for euros spent on technology versus education. Training top management and broader learning programs focusing on generative AI are crucial. Establishing communities like Microsoft 365 Copilot users and AI Champions has fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing within their companies.

Electrolux Professional has implemented AI in HR training, knowledge base management, and compliance, showing short-term benefits. Meanwhile, Savencia Gourmet has focused on Industry 4.0, commercial performance, boutique digitalization, cocoa bean traceability, and creative chocolate design. Both companies plan future initiatives to further integrate AI, including a hackathon organized by Electrolux to address business problems and a gamified approach to AI adoption at Savencia.

“I don’t subscribe to the ‘AI or die’ philosophy, but AI presents an opportunity to improve processes and productivity. The why is self-explanatory; the focus should be on the how.”

Guilhem Senegas, CIO & Head of Digital Transformation at Electrolux Professional

Both panelists underscored a business-driven approach to AI, emphasizing operational efficiency, corporate social responsibility, and achieving top-line growth. They view successful AI integration as essential for maintaining a competitive edge and driving future innovations.