NEW YORK (AP) — As artificial intelligence continues to grow at a rapid pace, more and more businesses are grappling with how to adapt both quickly and responsibly. Dan Priest is the new Chief AI Officer at PwC, one of the world’s largest consulting firms, where he works with companies across industries as they adopt this burgeoning technology both into their day-to-day operations and future business models. He says 2024 was all about proving what AI brings to the table — and expects 2025 will shift more into scaling it.

Priest recently spoke with The Associated Press about his new role and other AI business predictions his team has for the year ahead. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q: When did PwC decide it wanted a Chief AI Officer? A: We launched the role in early July, on the heels of us doing an AI impact analysis and strategy for the firm.

The motivation was simply to make sure we were tapping into AI’s full potential, responsibly, to best serve our clients. We work with companies across a range of sectors — including tech, health care and hospitality. RELATED COVERAGE New York state government to monitor its use of AI under a new law A look at some new laws coming in 2025 AI is a game changer for students with disabilities.

Schools are still learning to harness it Q: What have the companies you work with told you about how they’re adopting AI? A: AI is showing up in some form or fashion for the majority of our clients these days. In a.