Zoom CEO Uses AI Avatar in Earnings Call - Following Klarna's Lead

The Rise of AI Avatars in Executive Communications

Chief Executive Officers are increasingly integrating AI into their routines, to the point where digital representations of themselves are being utilized for important events.

Specifically, some CEOs are now employing avatars to participate in quarterly earnings calls, at least in part.

Recent Examples of Avatar Use

Following a demonstration by the CEO of Klarna earlier this week, Eric Yuan, the CEO of Zoom, also opted to use an avatar for the opening remarks of an investor call.

Yuan’s avatar was deployed through Zoom Clips, the company’s platform for creating asynchronous video content.

Zoom CEO's Statement

“I am pleased to be among the initial group of CEOs to leverage an avatar during an earnings call,” the avatar stated, representing Yuan’s sentiments.

“This serves as a clear illustration of Zoom’s commitment to innovation in communication and collaborative technologies.”

Yuan further emphasized the importance of trust and security, noting that the company is dedicated to responsible AI implementation.

He highlighted the robust safeguards built into the system to prevent misuse, protect user identities, and ensure ethical avatar usage.

The Vision of Digital Twins

Eric Yuan has consistently championed the use of avatars in virtual meetings.

He has previously articulated the company’s goal of developing digital replicas – or “digital twins” – for its users.

This vision is shared by other industry leaders, including the CEO of Otter, an AI-driven transcription service, who is currently training an avatar to assist with operational tasks.

Wider Availability of Avatar Technology

Zoom has announced that the custom avatar feature will be accessible to all users this week.

This broader release indicates a growing acceptance and integration of AI-powered avatars into professional communication.