BT AI Summit 2025: AI will change jobs, not take them away, says KPMG's S Sathish amid job loss fears

During the Business Today AI Summit 2025, S Sathish, Partner and National Leader for Industrial Manufacturing at KPMG in India, emphasized that artificial intelligence is set to reshape job roles rather than eliminate them. He acknowledged the prevailing anxiety among junior and mid-level employees regarding their job security, asserting, "AI will enhance the efficiency of their work, allowing them to concentrate on more value-driven tasks." Sathish highlighted the importance of transparent communication from leadership to mitigate these fears and provide guidance on reskilling and upskilling initiatives. He noted that effective management strategies are essential, as many organizations are currently hindered by a communication gap between top executives and middle management, which leads to uncertainty about future directions. In addition, Deepak Ng, Managing Director of Dassault Systèmes in India, shared insights on organizational approaches to AI implementation. He mentioned that businesses are not merely adopting AI for its own sake but are strategically planning budgets to enhance their productivity. "Companies are aiming to increase their output and efficiency, recognizing that the frequency of product launches has dramatically evolved in recent years, similar to the rapid release cycles of smartphones," he stated. Furthermore, Saju SR, Senior Vice President of ABB India's Smart Power Division, introduced the concept of the 'iceberg of ignorance,' where a significant portion of critical information does not reach upper management. He remarked, "The goal is for AI systems to convert this overlooked information into actionable insights, helping organizations identify profit leakages without relying solely on manual measurement." The discussions at the summit underscored a collective understanding that while AI poses challenges, it also presents opportunities for innovation and efficiency in the workplace.