Unal, AslihanKilinc, Izzet2021-12-012021-12-0120211463-66891465-9832https://doi.org/10.1108/FS-02-2021-0048https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12684/10343Purpose This paper aims to examine the feasibility of artificial intelligence (AI) performing as chief executive officer (CEO) in organizations. Design/methodology/approach The authors followed an explorative research design - classic grounded theory methodology. The authors conducted face-to-face interviews with 27 participants that were selected according to theoretical sampling. The sample consisted of academics from the fields of AI, philosophy and management; experts and artists performing in the field of AI and professionals from the business world. Findings As a result of the grounded theory process The Vizier-Shah Theory emerged. The theory consisted of five theoretical categories: narrow AI, hard problems, debates, solutions and AI-CEO. The category AI as a CEO introduces four futuristic AI-CEO models. Originality/value This study introduces an original theory that explains the evolution process of narrow AI to AI-CEO. The theory handles the issue from an interdisciplinary perspective by following an exploratory research design - classic grounded theory and provides insights for future research.en10.1108/FS-02-2021-0048info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessChief executive officerGrounded theoryArtificial intelligenceFuturismFutureManagementInternetPowerGoArticle2366987232-s2.0-85112550289WOS:000686178000001Q2N/A