Security leaders lose visibility as consultants deploy shadow AI copilots to stay employed

Join our daily and weekly newsletters for the latest updates and exclusive content on industry-leading AI coverage. Learn More Consulting firms’ accelerating adoption of generative AI to automate knowledge work is sending shockwaves across the industry, triggering workforce shakeups and layoffs. This month, PwC cut roughly 2% of its U.S. staff, approximately 1,500 jobs, in audit and tax lines. EY eliminated 150 roles even as it announced a $1.4 billion investment to build an enterprise AI platform. Accenture slashed 19,000 positions (2.5% of its workforce) amid slowing growth and rising tech costs in 2023. McKinsey & Company is reportedly paying senior staff up to nine months’ salary to quit voluntarily, a strategy industry observers link to a downturn in consulting spending accelerated by AI-driven change. KPMG is realigning skills as AI platforms replace parts of the audit process and other routine tasks. In November of last year, 333 jobs were cut, or approximately 4% of U.S. au ... Read full article.