Indeed CEO Calls for HR to Delegate to AI, Prioritizing Strategic Work
AUSTIN, TX - September 15, 2025 - Indeed’s new CEO, Magda Brunner, is urging HR leaders to aggressively adopt AI agents for routine tasks, freeing up human capital for more strategic initiatives as companies reassess the value of artificial intelligence and prioritize uniquely human skills. Brunner’s call comes amid a broader trend of declining AI adoption rates at large companies, with many AI pilots failing to deliver expected results.
The shift, Brunner argues, isn’t about replacing HR professionals, but about optimizing their roles. As Fortune reported, many large companies are now “reassessing their value” of AI and placing a “premium” on human skills. This recalibration presents an chance for HR to focus on areas where human expertise is irreplaceable – talent development, employee experience, and navigating the evolving workplace needs of Gen Z, whose average job tenure in their first five years is just over a year. Brunner believes that by handing off tasks like initial candidate screening and benefits governance to AI, HR can concentrate on fostering a more engaged and productive workforce.
This move aligns with a growing recognition that the initial hype surrounding AI may have outpaced practical implementation. While AI disruption was predicted to substantially alter junior roles, the reality is proving more nuanced. Indeed’s CEO’s stance suggests a future where AI and HR professionals work in tandem, leveraging each other’s strengths to build more resilient and adaptable organizations.