RGP’s Q1 Transformation Barometer survey of finance executives points to a dynamic merger between digital transformation and corporate strategies
Key Insight
With this level of spending and strong sense of urgency, digital transformation/AI is clearly center stage with the C-suite. Responsibility for AI strategy increasingly falls under the domain of the CFO, who plays a growing strategic role in driving revenue growth. Over half of executives said their CFO either drives or oversees the organization’s AI strategy in partnership with the C-suite.
Over half of CFOs lead AI strategy with the C-suite
“The most senior people in an organization need to recognize that AI isn’t just about execution but also needs to be part of their strategic planning.”
26%
Said their organization is currently experiencing widening skills gaps.
1 in 4
Companies cite AI or data analytics as the biggest talent shortage areas and nearly half of companies expect AI skills gaps to increase.
63%
Expect their organization’s skills gaps to increase in 2025.
27%
Reported that their organization has narrowed its skills gaps with AI and other digital tools.
These gaps highlight the need for a more Dynamic Workforce. Of the 91% of organizations that plan to boost workforce investments in 2025, nearly half (46%) remain focused on reskilling and upskilling existing employees, while 22% plan to increase investment in outside talent, and 18% expect to increase investment in internal headcount.
91%
Of organizations plan to boost workforce investments in 2025
TRANSFORMATION BAROMETER, Q1 2025
AI and the Growth of Customer Experience (CX)
A stronger emphasis on customer experience has risen in tandem with companies developing a better understanding of how to harness the vast amounts of data they have about their customers. AI has played a key role in helping organizations harness that data.
According to our most recent survey, 67% of respondents believe AI will have a significant positive impact on customer experience and employee experience (EX) in the next 12 months. Interestingly, almost the same number expect customer service to be the function impacted most by their organization’s AI investments in the next year.
66
Expect customer service to be the function impacted most by their organization’s AI investments in the next year
Three-fifths of respondents said their organization has a Chief Experience Officer (CXO), with another 30% saying their CIO, CMO, or some other member of the C-suite is responsible for both CX and EX.
58
Of respondents said their organization has a Chief Experience Officer
The quality of data is the primary concern around AI’s ability to be effective and trustworthy. Almost three-quarters of respondents said ensuring data is clean and accurate is the most critical factor in their organization’s ability to implement AI effectively.
73
Said ensuring data is clean and accurate is the most critical factor in their organization’s ability to implement AI effectively
Preparing for the Dynamic Merger of Digital Transformation and Corporate Strategy
A dynamic future of business model transformation is on the horizon as the top financial executives of leading companies put digital transformation and AI strategy at the center of corporate strategy. The release of new capital in the market will help to accelerate this process. Workforce development will continue to be a huge priority as organizations look to upskill employees and garner top talent outside of their organizations to fill increasing skills gaps.
“In these moments, a choice emerges: resist change and remain reactive or embrace a new way of thinking to proactively shape the future.”
Survey Methodology
The findings are based on a survey of 201 full-time U.S. professionals conducted January 2 to 9, 2025. The survey included respondents at the director level or above who influence finance decision-making at organizations with annual revenue of $500 million or more.
