To Thrive in the AI Era, Companies Need Agent Managers

The article, "To Thrive in the AI Era, Companies Need Agent Managers," published in the Harvard Business Review on February 12, 2026, identifies a burgeoning need for a specialized leadership position to manage the increasing deployment of autonomous AI agents within organizations. As AI agents move beyond experimental stages into practical application, companies require dedicated 'agent managers' to orchestrate their various functions. These managers are tasked with overseeing how AI agents acquire new knowledge, facilitate their collaboration with human employees, monitor their performance metrics, and ensure they operate safely and ethically within a hybrid work environment. The authors, Suraj Srinivasan and Vivienne Wei, draw parallels to the rise of product managers during the software revolution, asserting that agent managers are equally indispensable in the current AI era. Their primary responsibility is to bridge the gap between strategic intent and the reliable outcomes delivered by AI. This involves managing the entire lifecycle of AI agents, from their initial deployment to continuous monitoring and ensuring clear accountability. Examples from companies like Salesforce are cited to illustrate the practical implications of this role, underscoring its importance in maintaining operational reliability and achieving strategic objectives as AI technologies become more integrated into business processes.