Shopify CEO Makes AI Usage Mandatory For All Employees

Lütke announced that AI is now considered a teammate capable of researching, coding, teaching, and providing feedback, and employees will be reviewed based on how effectively they use it—making AI proficiency no longer optional but a requirement at Shopify.


In a bold and transformative move, Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke has declared the use of artificial intelligence (AI) mandatory across all levels of the organization. The announcement signals a new chapter in Shopify’s AI strategy, positioning AI not just as a helpful tool, but as an essential “teammate” in the daily operations of the e-commerce giant.

Lütke shared this mandate in a company-wide memo, stating that AI for employees is no longer optional. Every team member—from junior staff to senior leadership—must integrate AI into their workflows. If employees request additional staff or resources, they are now required to first justify why AI isn’t being used to solve the problem.

The CEO emphasized that AI can act as a researcher, coder, teacher, and even a critic, helping employees streamline tasks, find insights faster, and improve decision-making. This approach is designed to enhance both productivity and innovation at scale.

As part of this sweeping shift, Shopify AI strategy will now play a critical role in performance reviews and peer assessments. Employees will be evaluated on how effectively they use AI tools to enhance their output, making AI proficiency a core metric of success at the company.

By weaving artificial intelligence in business into the very fabric of its operations, Shopify aims to stay ahead in the fast-evolving digital economy. Lütke’s vision is clear: to equip employees with cutting-edge AI skills that not only boost individual performance but also drive Shopify’s global competitiveness.

This move underscores a broader industry trend where tech-forward companies are reshaping workforces around AI, making digital fluency a central requirement for the future of work.

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