Susanne Zach Drives AI Transformation at EY Austria

Artificial intelligence specialists have become increasingly sought after in Austria, and early recognition of their value has benefited organizations that invested in this area. EY Austria exemplifies this trend, having recruited Susanne Zach two decades ago, who has since become a key figure in shaping the company's AI strategy.

Beginning her journey at EY as an intern with a background in business informatics, Zach progressed steadily within the organization. Today, she leads a dedicated team of 30 professionals focused on artificial intelligence and data. Her approach emphasizes the recruitment and development of emerging talent, prioritizing curiosity and initiative as core qualities for success within the team. The environment is demanding, requiring team members to manage multiple projects and adapt quickly to ongoing technological advancements.

In her leadership capacity, Zach fosters a culture of trust, openness, and empathy. She encourages shared responsibility and supports employees in their professional growth, believing that rapid development is possible when individuals are empowered and guided effectively.

Discussing the broader landscape of AI adoption in Austrian businesses, Zach identifies two principal challenges: a lack of understanding regarding the practical applications of AI, and uncertainty about the return on investment. As a result, many organizations remain cautious, hesitant to commit resources without clear evidence of benefits. Zach advocates for a comprehensive approach to AI projects, combining strategic planning, governance, practical use cases, and structured change management to demonstrate tangible value and drive successful outcomes.

Current trends indicate that AI is most commonly leveraged in finance, human resources, and production sectors. Technologies such as natural language processing, computer vision, and large language models are being utilized to enhance process efficiency, enable new business models, and transform organizational structures. Zach stresses that AI implementation is not solely an IT matter, but a broader organizational and cultural transformation that requires commitment from management and widespread skill development across the workforce, often referred to as AI literacy.

To support this transformation, Zach highlights the growing necessity for educational and career pathways that prepare individuals for roles such as AI Solution Architects and AI Engineers. This need is reflected in recent data from the EY European AI Barometer 2025, which surveyed nearly 5000 participants across Europe, including 500 in Austria. The study reveals a significant increase in the adoption of AI systems, with 73 percent of Austrian respondents utilizing tools like ChatGPT or translation applications, up from 69 percent the previous year. Furthermore, over half of those surveyed participated in AI training during the past year, indicating a rising commitment to continuous learning in the field.

The business impact of AI is also becoming more apparent. Fifty-six percent of companies report cost savings or increased profits attributable to AI, averaging approximately 6.24 million euros among those experiencing positive outcomes. However, the report notes that many organizations are still at an early stage of maturity in their AI initiatives, often lacking robust data governance, resilient AI infrastructure, or comprehensive ethical guidelines.

Susanne Zach's expertise spans artificial intelligence, data science, automation, and business intelligence. She is actively involved in industry networks such as the Data Intelligence Offensive and serves as an ambassador for women in ICT. Her contributions have been recognized with honors such as the Microsoft Power Women Award, underscoring her influence in advancing AI adoption and diversity within the technology sector.