CTK CEO: AI Transformation Demands Management Overhaul, Leaders Must Guide the Way

The successful integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into businesses hinges on a fundamental redesign of management structures, according to Choi Sun-young, CEO of CTK. Speaking at the '2026 SME AX Leaders Forum' in Seoul, Choi stressed that leaders must take direct responsibility for charting the course of AI transformation within their organizations. "We had no choice but to undergo digital transformation to survive," Choi stated, emphasizing the urgency of adapting to new technologies. She cautioned against a decentralized approach to AI adoption, where individual employees are solely tasked with implementation. "AI for individual employees is inefficient," she explained, advocating instead for a comprehensive, leader-driven strategy. Choi believes that the CEO or top leadership must personally architect the AI transition, ensuring it aligns with the company's overall operational framework. This top-down approach, she contends, is crucial for achieving true AI transformation, or AX, and maintaining competitiveness in the evolving business landscape. CTK, a full-service cosmetics company, is itself navigating this path, with Choi's insights reflecting a broader trend among businesses seeking to leverage AI effectively.

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We had no choice but to undergo digital transformation to survive.