Rise of the Z-Suite: AI is accelerating the next generation of business leaders 

• Gen Zs are embracing technological change to accelerate their careers: Four in five (80%) young leaders say AI gives them knowledge they would previously have needed years of experience to gain
• Senior leaders are backing them, seeing Gen Z’s digital fluency as a business advantage:  82% say that AI is fast-tracking the rise of younger leaders, while 80% believe employees are reaching leadership positions earlier than previous generations
• 92% of senior leaders would now appoint a Gen Z candidate to a senior leadership role 

AI is accelerating the rise of a new generation of Gen Z business leaders, changing how organisations identify, develop and promote future leadership, according to new research from International Workplace Group (IWG), the world’s largest platform for work with brands including Spaces and Regus. 

IWG’s Z-Suite Report: How a New Generation is Evolving the Boardroom reveals that established business leaders increasingly see AI as accelerating leadership capability rather than simply improving productivity. 82% said that AI is fast-tracking younger leaders, demonstrating how AI can quickly help people build influence, expertise and strategic advantage at work.

As digital fluency becomes a key commercial benefit, four in five (80%) senior leaders believe their younger employees are reaching leadership positions earlier than previous generations, while 92% say they would be likely to appoint a Gen Z candidate to a senior leadership role to embrace the skills that younger generations bring to the C-Suite.

This reflects a broader shift in business. AI is no longer simply changing how work gets done; it is changing how organisations identify, develop and promote future leaders.

AI – the Gen Z business advantage 

The research suggests AI is helping younger leaders build confidence, expertise and decision-making far earlier in their careers than previous generations. 

95% of those aged 21-29 believe they are likely to hold a senior leadership role by age 30, with four in five (80%) young leaders saying AI is giving them knowledge they would previously have needed years of experience to gain, while 79% say AI tools help them perform tasks beyond their current seniority. 

Technology accelerates progression 

Gen Z leaders also say technology is helping them build skills, expertise and influence faster than previous generations. As AI becomes embedded across organisations, digital fluency is increasingly becoming a business advantage, helping younger leaders develop expertise and confidence more quickly. 

78% say AI has increased their confidence in taking on leadership responsibilities, while 79% believe it helps them contribute more strategically. 86% believe they are progressing faster than previous generations. 

Christian Schmitz, CEO of International Workplace Group, said: “The organisations that succeed over the coming years will be those that recognise leadership potential earlier and create environments where talented people can develop quickly. AI is accelerating capability, but businesses also need the right culture, opportunities and leadership to help people reach their full potential.

“This isn’t simply about promoting younger leaders sooner. It is about giving people the tools, flexibility and support to make better decisions, adapt faster and create more value for customers.

“The findings reinforce that AI is changing not only how businesses operate, but also how they identify, develop and promote the next generation of leaders.”