Zoom CEO Eric Yuan utilized a custom AI avatar to deliver opening remarks during the company’s latest quarterly earnings call, marking a growing trend of executives delegating public appearances to digital clones.
The Rise of the Digital Executive
Following a similar move by Klarna’s CEO earlier this week, Eric Yuan integrated his own AI-generated likeness into the investor presentation. Yuan deployed the avatar using Zoom Clips, the company’s native asynchronous video creation platform, to deliver his initial comments.
“I am proud to be among the first CEOs to use an avatar in an earnings call,” the avatar stated during the broadcast. Yuan emphasized that this demonstration serves as a practical example of how Zoom is expanding the horizons of modern communication. He further noted that the company maintains strict safeguards regarding AI-generated content to ensure user identity protection and prevent potential misuse.
Strategic Vision for Digital Twins
Yuan’s use of an avatar is consistent with his long-term strategy for the platform. He has frequently advocated for the development of digital twins of users to streamline meeting attendance and productivity. This vision is gaining traction across the tech industry; notably, the CEO of the transcription service Otter is also reportedly developing an avatar to help manage his increasing workload.
Wider Availability for Zoom Users
Beyond the boardroom, Zoom is moving to democratize this technology. The company confirmed that it is rolling out the custom avatar add-on feature to its entire user base starting this week.
