American Express Cuts 5% of Workforce to Integrate AI

American Express is eliminating 5% of its global workforce to increase organizational agility and prepare for the integration of artificial intelligence. CEO Stephen Squeri announced the reductions on Friday, stating the company must become a more efficient organization to accelerate innovation.

To facilitate the restructuring, the company is taking a $336 million charge in the third quarter to cover employee severance costs. As of the end of 2025, the company employed nearly 77,000 people.

CFO Christophe Le Caillec explained that the company is reducing management layers and increasing spans of control. This structural shift is intended to ensure processes are optimally organized before the company automates them using AI in the coming quarters and years.