Agentic AI: A Game Changer in Corporate Finance
Marie Myers, EVP and CFO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), is at the forefront of integrating agentic AI into finance. With a deep background in both technology and finance, Myers views agentic AI as a transformative force. “I’ve been building bots for many years,” she explained. “So when agentic AI came along, I was very excited.”
Myers, who previously held the CFO role at robotic process automation (RPA) company UiPath and served in multiple leadership positions at HP Inc., considers agentic AI the biggest advancement in finance since RPA and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. In January 2024, she joined HPE, a Fortune 500 company specializing in enterprise IT. Under her leadership, HPE is aggressively incorporating AI in finance and beyond.
Strategic AI Implementation at HPE
Since joining HPE, Myers has made integrating AI a top priority. The company’s finance team is currently piloting Deloitte’s Zora AI platform, an intelligent, agentic AI system, via HPE’s Private Cloud AI. The platform initially focuses on operational reporting, with plans to expand into predictive forecasting and broader data applications.
Productivity is the key metric Myers and her team are tracking as they roll out these AI tools. To support this shift, Gustav van der Westhuizen, Myers’ chief of staff, has launched AI training programs for thousands of employees at HPE. Myers stresses that successful AI implementation demands more than just technology—it requires robust change management, high-quality data, strong governance, and the right talent.
“Data quality and governance are probably the biggest inhibitors to getting started,” Myers noted. When it comes to building the future finance workforce, she believes the ideal candidate is someone well-versed in finance and accounting, with a solid understanding of AI. “What does the new entry-level job in the company look like?” she posed. “I think that’s a question we’re still asking.”
AI’s Impact on Myers’ Day-to-Day Life
Myers’ use of AI extends far beyond the office. Once a self-described “spreadsheet junkie” fresh out of graduate school, she now relies heavily on AI agents in both her professional and personal life. “Every aspect of my day has been impacted by AI—from my personal life to my professional life,” she shared.
During her daily commute, Myers consults an AI agent to prepare for her day and brainstorm solutions to challenges. At board meetings, she leverages AI to discreetly clarify unfamiliar terms in real time. AI tools also take notes during meetings, streamlining her workflow and improving efficiency.
At home, Myers turns to AI for everything from generating gift ideas to helping her children with questions. “In fact, my kids told me, ‘Could you stop using AI at home to answer questions for us?’” she joked. Despite the occasional pushback, she remains a strong advocate for the technology. “I use it for absolutely everything; it’s changed my life.”
HPE’s Evolving Role in the Tech Landscape
HPE is not only transforming internally but also expanding its market reach. On July 2, the company completed a $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks, enhancing its networking capabilities. Meanwhile, activist investor Elliott Investment Management has taken a $1.5 billion stake in HPE, signaling strong market interest in the company’s strategic direction.
Myers’ leadership plays a crucial role in aligning HPE’s finance operations with these broader business moves. By integrating agentic AI and investing in workforce upskilling, she is positioning HPE to lead in both technology and finance innovation.
The Bigger Picture: AI’s Role in the Future of Work
Myers’ experience reflects a broader trend in how AI is reshaping the workplace. Innovative CFOs like her are not just adapting to new technologies—they’re driving their adoption. As AI becomes more embedded in daily operations, companies must rethink talent requirements, data strategies, and organizational structures.
“The goal isn’t to let AI assign grades or replace managers,” said David Ferrucci, managing director of the Institute for Advanced Enterprise AI. “It’s to enrich our understanding of work—who’s doing it, how it’s done, and how it can be better.”
Myers’ journey illustrates how agentic AI can enhance both efficiency and decision-making. Whether optimizing financial reporting or navigating a boardroom discussion, AI is becoming an essential partner in the modern workplace.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.