Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft’s AI chief, has stated that artificial intelligence could automate most white-collar jobs within the next 12 to 18 months. In an interview with the Financial Times, Suleyman indicated that professionals including lawyers, accountants, project managers, and marketers may see their routine tasks fully automated by AI.
Suleyman’s comments highlight Microsoft’s push for a larger presence in the enterprise AI market. The company is developing what he termed “professional-grade AGI” (Artificial General Intelligence), referring to AI models capable of performing nearly all tasks that human professionals currently handle. These tools would enable Microsoft to deliver powerful automation capabilities to corporate clients for knowledge workers.
Broad Impact Across Professions
According to Suleyman, the automation risk extends to almost anyone whose job primarily involves working on a computer. He explained that white-collar workers across various sectors, whether in legal, accounting, project management, or marketing, could see their roles significantly transformed as AI takes over routine tasks.
The Microsoft AI chief emphasized that this shift is not limited to traditionally tech-focused roles like coding. Instead, the automation wave is expected to affect a wide range of professional services that have historically required human expertise and judgment.
Context of AI Development
Suleyman’s statements come during a period of rapid advancement in AI capabilities and increased corporate adoption of AI tools. Recent developments in the AI industry have already begun affecting market perceptions of traditional service companies. Anthropic’s Claude Cowork recently caused market reactions due to concerns about its potential impact on software service companies such as Infosys and TCS.
The Microsoft executive suggested that as AI technology continues to evolve, creating new AI models will become increasingly accessible. He compared this future development to current digital content creation, stating that “creating a new model will be as simple as making a podcast or writing a blog.” This accessibility could lead to AI systems tailored to specific needs of individual institutions and users.
Institutional Workflow Automation
Looking further ahead, Suleyman predicted that within two to three years, AI agents will become significantly more efficient at managing workflows within large organizations. This suggests that beyond individual task automation, AI could begin coordinating and optimizing complex business processes across entire institutions.
The development of such capabilities could fundamentally change how organizations structure their operations and staffing requirements. As AI systems become capable of handling increasingly sophisticated tasks, companies may need to reconsider workforce composition and human resource allocation.
Microsoft’s AI Strategy
Suleyman also revealed Microsoft’s plans to reduce its dependence on OpenAI by developing its own AI models. Following a new agreement between Microsoft and OpenAI, the company has decided to pursue what Suleyman called “true AI self-sufficiency.”
He indicated that Microsoft aims to double down on developing proprietary AI models, with potential debuts expected in 2026. This strategic shift suggests Microsoft is positioning itself to have greater control over its AI capabilities rather than relying primarily on external partnerships.
The move toward self-sufficiency in AI development reflects broader trends in the technology industry, where major companies are investing heavily in building their own AI infrastructure and capabilities.
Implications for the Future
Suleyman’s vision extends beyond immediate automation to a future where AI can be customized for virtually any purpose. He stated that eventually, “it will be possible to design AI tailored to the needs of every institution and individual on Earth.”
This widespread customization of AI tools could democratize access to sophisticated automation while simultaneously raising questions about workforce transitions and the need for workers to adapt to new roles that complement rather than compete with AI systems.
The timeline Suleyman provided, 12 to 18 months for significant white-collar automation, is relatively short, suggesting that organizations and workers may need to begin preparing for these changes sooner rather than later.
