Nearly two-thirds of AI and data leaders in the UK are planning to leave their roles within the next year, threatening the continuity and capability of enterprise AI efforts.

This stark finding comes from the newly released AI and Data Leadership Survey 2025, The New Business Blueprint, AI From Hype to Execution, published by Edinburgh-headquartered executive search firm, Lucent Search.

Based on responses and conversations with over 100 senior AI and data professionals, the report exposes a sector under pressure: 63% of AI leaders are preparing for a move, driven by lack of strategic influence, inadequate organisational support, and persistent talent constraints.

What’s Pushing AI Leaders to Quit?

When asked about the most challenging aspects of their role, the talent issue loomed largest. Fifty-five percent of AI/data leaders surveyed said “securing top talent” is very challenging in their organisation, making it the #1 pain point.

Nearly as many (around 45%) said retaining that talent is equally difficult.

The survey also revealed that many AI leaders struggle with organisational barriers.

Around 51% labelled “cross-departmental collaboration” as very challenging, indicating frustration with siloed structures – for example, the AI team might have difficulty getting data or cooperation from another department, or business units might resist integrating AI solutions developed elsewhere.

Similarly, a significant number cited “integration challenges” and “scaling AI solutions” as very hard.

Another pain point: measuring ROI. Over 70% find it very or moderately challenging to quantify the return on AI initiatives, which can make it harder to justify further investment and get buy-in. And while “getting organizational buy-in for AI projects” was not the top issue overall, roughly one in four still find it very challenging (and are more likely to find it moderately challenging).

“The AI talent crisis is no longer theoretical—it’s happening now,” said Rebecca Hastings, Founder of Lucent Search and author of the report.

“Organisations can’t afford to wait. Without the structure and leadership support that top AI professionals demand, they will fall behind. The next 12 months will define who keeps their talent—and who loses their AI edge.”

The report highlights a persistent “execution gap” in UK enterprises: while AI investment is growing, operational delivery is being held back by siloed teams, vague mandates, and pressure to demonstrate rapid ROI.

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More than half of the surveyed leaders said cross-departmental collaboration is “very challenging.” At the same time, 85% find it difficult to quantify the value of AI initiatives – challenges that especially hinder adoption in risk-averse sectors.

For Scotland’s public sector leaders, fintech firms, and digital SMEs, the findings are particularly resonant. AI transformation is accelerating, but leadership volatility could stall progress unless boards and executives act swiftly to support and retain their AI leads.

As the survey reveals, AI leaders crave clearer influence, better collaboration, and stronger recognition of their strategic role.

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