Sundar Pichai told the BBC that AI could eventually perform CEO-level tasks and that more autonomous "agent" models may appear within the next year. He warned of significant "societal disruptions" even as he argued AI can create new opportunities and free people to pursue different work. Pichai echoed similar comments from OpenAI's Sam Altman and urged a broader societal conversation and preparation for workforce transitions.
Could AI One Day Run Google? Sundar Pichai Says a CEO Role Isn't Off the Table
Sundar Pichai told the BBC that AI could eventually perform CEO-level tasks and that more autonomous "agent" models may appear within the next year. He warned of significant "societal disruptions" even as he argued AI can create new opportunities and free people to pursue different work. Pichai echoed similar comments from OpenAI's Sam Altman and urged a broader societal conversation and preparation for workforce transitions.
08:30 PM, 11/18/2025Technology
Could artificial intelligence run a company?
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, told the BBC that advances in artificial intelligence could eventually allow AI systems to perform CEO-level work. In an interview that aired Tuesday, Pichai said he believes AI models will increasingly act as autonomous "agents" that can carry out more complex tasks on users' behalf — potentially within the next 12 months.
Pichai argued that rapid AI progress can bring significant benefits by creating new opportunities and freeing people to focus on different kinds of work. But he also warned these changes will cause "societal disruptions" and require adaptation by individuals, institutions, and policymakers.
"I think what a CEO does is maybe one of the easier things for an AI to do one day," Pichai told the BBC.
His comments echo remarks from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who has said he could welcome an AI that might do a better job leading OpenAI than he does today. Both leaders suggest a future where AI augments or even replaces some high-level decision-making roles.
Impact on jobs and the workforce
AI is already reshaping employment. A recent study from Indeed found that software engineers and product managers are among the roles most exposed to automation, though the technology is also creating new types of jobs and opportunities.
"It will create new opportunities," Pichai said. "It will evolve and transition certain jobs, and people will need to adapt. And then there will be areas where it will impact some jobs, so as a society, I think we need to have that conversation."
Advice for the next generation
Pichai urged young people to embrace AI tools and learn to use them within their chosen professions. "It doesn't matter whether you want to be a teacher or a doctor — those professions will remain, but the people who do well will be the ones who learn to use these tools," he said.
Takeaway: Pichai sees both opportunity and disruption ahead as AI capabilities expand. While the prospect of AI acting as a company leader remains speculative, the near-term changes to how work is performed are already beginning, and preparation and public discussion will be key.
Adapted from reporting by Business Insider and an interview broadcast on the BBC.