Agentic AI exceeds expectations for 75% of execs; 48% still plan layoffs

A striking new poll reveals that 75% of C-suite executives from the world’s largest corporations believe agentic AI is either meeting or exceeding its lofty expectations. Conducted by the AI Infra Summit at an exclusive CEO gathering in April, the survey captured the views of leaders from major players like Amazon, Dell Technologies, FedEx, Hitachi, Lenovo, MasterCard, and Mercedes-Benz. Yet, this enthusiasm for the technology’s performance does not translate into job security for their workforces.

Despite the positive outlook on AI’s potential, nearly half of the executives surveyed , 48% , still plan to implement headcount reductions as a direct result of automation. This dual reality highlights a growing disconnect between corporate confidence in AI and the human cost of its adoption. While three-quarters of leaders see agentic AI as a powerful tool that lives up to its billing, a significant portion is already preparing to restructure their teams.

The findings suggest that the technology is not just a speculative trend but a tangible driver of operational change. However, the data also underscores a harsh truth: for many organizations, enhanced productivity and efficiency come with a price tag tied to workforce downsizing. As companies race to integrate autonomous systems, the gap between executive optimism and employee anxiety appears to be widening, setting the stage for complex labor market shifts in the near future.