'Onboard & train them' | HR could become responsible for managing AI workers, Accenture boss suggests

HR directors could one day be responsible for onboarding and training AI agents as organisations integrate increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence into their workforces, according to the UK chief executive of consulting giant Accenture.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Matt Prebble, CEO of Accenture UK and Ireland, suggested that HR leaders may become responsible for managing digital workers in much the same way they currently oversee human employees.

“For the small number of clients that have managed to get an authentic agentic AI working in their organisation... you have to onboard agents, you have to train the agents... that could be the HR director’s job,” he told the FT.

As reported by the FT, Prebble said organisations are only at the beginning of understanding how AI could reshape workforce structures and leadership teams. He also suggested businesses may eventually need new executive roles focused on trust and governance as AI adoption accelerates.