- Klarna used an AI avatar of CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski to present earnings, underscoring its AI-first strategy.
- AI-driven automation has enabled Klarna to cut its workforce by 40% and boost revenue per employee.
- The move highlights growing interest in AI-powered corporate leadership as Klarna readies for IPO.
Klarna, the Swedish buy-now-pay-later giant, has taken its AI ambitions to a new level by using an AI avatar of CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski to deliver its latest quarterly earnings report.
The digital CEO, featured in a YouTube video, was nearly indistinguishable from the real Siemiatkowski, save for subtle cues like infrequent blinking and slightly imperfect voice sync.
The move comes as Klarna prepares for its highly anticipated IPO and positions itself as a leader in AI-driven fintech.
The company credited its use of AI for reaching 100 million users and achieving a fourth consecutive profitable quarter.
Klarna’s workforce has shrunk by about 40% since 2022, now standing at just under 3,000 employees, with AI-driven automation cited as a key driver of increased revenue per employee, which has soared to nearly $1 million.
While AI avatars delivering earnings may seem like a novelty, the concept is gaining traction.
Research published in Harvard Business Review found that AI models could outperform human CEOs in many scenarios, though they struggled with unpredictable “black swan” events.
Klarna’s bold experiment signals a future where AI could play a central role in corporate leadership and strategy.
Klarna did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
Edited by Annette George
