From AI Pilot to Profit: Event Tackles Enterprise Scaling Crisis

SYDNEY, NSW – March 09, 2026 – As enterprises across Australia and New Zealand pour billions into artificial intelligence, a stark reality is emerging: most are stuck in a state of perpetual experimentation. While recent industry data shows that 62% of businesses are actively experimenting with AI, fewer than one-third have managed to scale the technology across their organisation to achieve meaningful impact. This costly gap between pilot projects and enterprise-wide profit is now the central focus for global data and AI company EXL, which has announced its “AI in Action” virtual event for the Australia and New Zealand market on March 24, 2026.

The event aims to address the critical barriers that keep businesses trapped in what many are calling “pilot purgatory,” offering a practical roadmap for leaders struggling to translate AI hype into tangible business value.

The Great AI Scaling Divide

The challenge of scaling AI is not a niche technical problem but a widespread business crisis. A recent Deloitte report from March 2026 revealed that only 34% of enterprises are truly scaling AI, with most projects stalling when they move from controlled pilots to the complex reality of production. The reasons are multifaceted and systemic.

Experts point to several core obstacles. First, many organisations attempt to layer sophisticated AI models onto outdated workflows and processes not designed for the AI era. An October 2025 MIT report noted that despite massive spending, 95% of companies saw no real return, often because they were simply “dropping AI onto broken workflows.” Second, data environments are frequently a major hindrance. Years of accumulated data silos, inconsistent governance, and a lack of a unified data foundation prevent AI models from accessing the high-quality, real-time information they need to perform effectively. Research from EXL itself found that 74% of firms with limited AI implementation cited data silos as a key barrier.

Finally, there is a persistent failure to translate AI-generated insights into concrete action. Without clear ownership, redesigned operational processes, and a culture that embraces data-driven decision-making, even the most powerful AI remains an isolated tool rather than a transformative force.

A Blueprint for Action: Insights from Industry Titans

EXL’s “AI in Action” event gathers a formidable lineup of speakers who have navigated these challenges at the highest levels of technology and finance. The keynote, titled “Accelerating Innovation and Opportunity with AI,” will feature a conversation between Rohit Kapoor, Chairman and CEO of EXL, and Jon McNeill, a leader renowned for his operational mastery in hyper-growth environments.

McNeill’s experience as the former President of Tesla, where he oversaw a period of massive revenue growth, and as the former COO of Lyft, where he helped steer the company to its IPO, provides a unique perspective on scaling disruptive technology. His insights are expected to focus on the operational and cultural shifts required to turn AI ambition into execution and sustained competitive advantage.

The event’s agenda is designed to be a practical guide, moving beyond theoretical discussions. A session on “Drive Business Value with AI in the Workflow” will feature Campbell Morrison, COO of Latitude Financial Services, and Olivier Debaillon, Head of AI for Amazon Web Services (AWS) in ANZ. This discussion promises to unpack how to design and embed AI into core business operations to drive measurable outcomes.

Another critical session, “Get Your Data House in Order,” will tackle the foundational data challenges that derail many AI initiatives. Featuring John Kim, Chief Data Officer at Zurich Financial Services, and David Walker, a fractional executive and former CTO of Westpac, this panel will explore how organisations can modernise data management and build the AI-ready data infrastructure necessary for success.

Tailoring Global AI Strategy for the ANZ Market

While the challenges of scaling AI are global, the solutions must be tailored to local market conditions. The event’s specific focus on Australia and New Zealand acknowledges the unique regulatory and business landscape in the region. Both countries are actively developing their approach to AI governance, with Australia pursuing a “guardrails-first” model with proposed mandatory safeguards for high-risk AI, while New Zealand has adopted an “adoption-first” stance to accelerate private-sector uptake.

Businesses operating in ANZ must navigate these evolving rules, alongside data sovereignty requirements and the challenge of integrating AI with legacy systems prevalent in key sectors like banking and insurance. The inclusion of senior leaders from major financial institutions like Latitude, Zurich, Westpac, and IAG underscores the event's relevance to the region's core industries.

By bringing together global thought leaders with local executives who are implementing AI on the ground, the summit aims to bridge the gap between global best practices and the specific needs of the ANZ market.

Moving from Insight to Embedded Intelligence

Ultimately, the success of enterprise AI hinges on its integration into the fabric of daily operations. This philosophy is at the heart of the event and EXL's broader mission. The company, recognized as a Leader in analytics and AI services by industry analyst firm Everest Group, focuses on helping clients transform business models by embedding data and AI into core workflows.

“AI’s true value is realised when it becomes embedded in how work gets done every day,” said Rohit Kapoor in the announcement. “AI in Action is about helping enterprises redesign workflows, govern AI responsibly and translate innovation into lasting business value.”

The virtual event promises to deliver more than just high-level strategy, with planned live demonstrations and practical case studies from organisations that have successfully scaled AI. For the many ANZ business leaders seeking to escape pilot purgatory, the event offers a timely and practical guide to making AI work not just in a lab, but across the entire enterprise.