As the business world races toward AI-native solutions, enterprises are reevaluating their reliance on traditional, monolithic systems. Klarna's decision to pivot from Salesforce to develop its own AI-first platform underscores a broader trend reshaping the technology landscape. But transitioning to AI-native systems is no small feat—legacy companies often face bureaucratic inertia, fragmented processes, and the challenge of retraining their workforce.
In this episode of Simulated Reality, we are joined by Akshaya Murthy, a seasoned technology and business leader based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Currently serving as the Director of AI Transformation at Zendesk, Akshaya spearheads the company’s global non-product AI strategies, focusing on leveraging AI to drive measurable business impact. With a deep commitment to responsible AI practices, Akshaya advocates for ethical and strategic implementation, ensuring AI serves as an enabler for progress rather than disruption.
With a career spanning software engineering, quality assurance, consulting, and technology risk management, Akshaya brings a rare blend of technical acumen and strategic insight to the table. A graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering from India and an MBA in Strategy from the University of Pittsburgh, his expertise equips him to tackle the most pressing challenges in AI transformation.



