In collaboration with Accenture Industries in the Intelligent Age Organizational Transformation in the Age of AI: How Organizations Maximize AI's Potential WHITE PAPER MARCH 2026 Images: Adobe Stock, Getty Images Contents | Reading guide | 3 | | --- | --- | | Foreword | 4 | | Executive summary | 5 | | Introduction | 6 | | Focus 1 Real-time, individualized CX | 7 | | Focus 2 Efficient and resilient operations that adapt and evolve | 13 | | Focus 3 Accelerated R&D and breakthrough innovation | 19 | | Focus 4 ...

Core Insights - Vytautas Kaziukonis has joined Artea Bank as the Head of Organizational Transformation, bringing extensive experience from his previous role as co-founder and CEO of Surfshark [1][2] - The new position aims to guide Artea Bank through its transformation, focusing on strategic development and effective team collaboration [2][3] - Kaziukonis expresses enthusiasm for contributing to Artea Bank's ambition to become a leading bank in Lithuania [3] Company Overview - Artea Bank is positioning itself for significant transformation under new leadership, with a focus on developing strategic directions and implementing changes [2][3] - The role of Head of Organizational Transformation is crucial for aligning the bank's operating model and employee competencies with its long-term strategy [3][4] - Kaziukonis will facilitate the sharing of best practices across the organization to enhance collaboration and organizational efficiency [4]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The 2026 Workforce Skills & Trends Report highlights the need for organizations to align people, processes, and technology amid rapid transformation driven by AI [2][4] - Organizations are experiencing an AI readiness gap, where technological advancements outpace workforce preparedness, leading to friction and inconsistent results [11][23] - The report emphasizes the importance of strong processes and leadership in navigating change and ensuring sustainable transformation [40][55] Technology Summary - AI is advancing rapidly, with 91% of companies prioritizing investments in data and AI, increasing from 82% in 2024 to 98% in 2025 [22] - Key barriers to AI readiness include security and data privacy concerns (52% and 29% respectively), lack of AI skills or training (58%), and lack of executive alignment (58%) [14] - Organizations must integrate cybersecurity and responsible AI practices to build trust and enable safe innovation [26][30] Process Summary - Organizations face challenges in maintaining results due to chaotic innovation, where enthusiasm for change outpaces operational structure [33] - Key barriers for innovation include resistance to change (24%), integration challenges with existing systems (29%), and lack of clear workflows (58%) [34] - Successful transformation relies on disciplined innovation and prioritizing fewer, sequenced change initiatives [37] Leadership Summary - Effective leadership in 2026 requires building strong relationships and trust within teams, especially in hybrid work environments [42][46] - Middle managers are crucial as strategic translators, needing to understand and communicate the strategic vision effectively [49] - Leadership must focus on emotional intelligence and coaching to foster engagement and accountability among teams [55]

Core Insights - Korn Ferry shares increased following the release of stronger quarterly profit and revenue, driven by broad-based growth across its businesses [1][2] Financial Performance - The company reported second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.33, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $1.31 [2] - Quarterly sales reached $729.80 million, exceeding the expected $705.97 million [2] - Fee revenue for the second quarter was $721.7 million, reflecting a 7% increase year-over-year [3] - Executive Search revenue rose by 10%, while Professional Search & Interim revenue increased by 17% [3] - Adjusted EBITDA grew to $124.8 million, a 7% increase from the previous year, with a margin of 17.3% remaining stable [5] - The company ended the quarter with cash and equivalents totaling $761.579 million [5] - Estimated remaining fees under existing contracts were $1.842 billion, marking a 20% year-over-year increase [5] Strategic Positioning - Korn Ferry emphasizes the need for adaptable strategies in a rapidly changing economy, positioning itself as a partner to help organizations align strategy, operations, and talent [4] - The CEO highlighted the company's outstanding performance, noting the fourth consecutive quarter of accelerated growth, particularly from Marquee and Diamond accounts [4] Dividend Announcement - The company declared a cash dividend of 48 cents per share, payable on January 15, 2026, to shareholders of record on December 19, 2025 [6] Future Outlook - For the third quarter, Korn Ferry expects adjusted EPS between $1.19 and $1.25, aligning closely with the Street's estimate of $1.24 [7] - The projected GAAP EPS for the third quarter is between $1.15 and $1.21, which is below the Street's estimate of $1.26 [7] - Fee revenue for the third quarter is anticipated to be between $680 million and $694 million [7] - At the time of publication, Korn Ferry shares were up 3.52% at $67.26 [7]

Group 1 - Paramount has recently laid off 1,000 employees, with approximately 600 opting for severance packages as the company mandates a return to office starting January [1] - The company anticipates an additional 1,600 staff reductions following the sale of Televisión Federal in Argentina and Chilevision in Chile, expected to be completed in Q1 2026 [2] - About 25% of Paramount's senior vice presidents and above were affected by the initial workforce reduction, aimed at streamlining decision-making and enhancing organizational agility [3] Group 2 - Paramount expects to achieve $3 billion in cost savings, an increase from the initial forecast of $2 billion [4] - The company is reorganizing into three business units: Studios, DTC, and TV Media, to streamline operations and improve decision-making [5] - Targeted one-time investments of approximately $800 million are estimated for 2026, with an additional $400 to $500 million for 2027, to support growth alongside cost-cutting measures [6] Group 3 - Paramount plans to make incremental programming investments exceeding $1.5 billion in 2026, focusing on DTC investments, Paramount+ Originals, and film slate expansion [7]