Publicis Sapient's Nigel Vaz explains why AI strategy chose 'Navy SEALs' over scale

Publicis Sapient CEO Nigel Vaz says the company chose a focused artificial intelligence strategy rather than the low-cost, headcount-led model associated with India's IT industry. His work involves helping major global companies embed AI into their operations, and he has been named to TIME's 2026 list of the 100 most influential people in AI.

Editor: AI News 24x7 Published: 23 Sep 2026, 08:34 AM Updated: 23 Sep 2026, 08:34 AM

Publicis Sapient's Nigel Vaz explains why AI strategy chose 'Navy SEALs' over scale.

Publicis Sapient CEO Nigel Vaz has described the company's artificial intelligence (AI) strategy as focused and specialised, using the contrast between “Navy SEALs” and a conventional army to explain its position. The approach differs from the low-cost, headcount-driven model that helped build India's IT industry.

Rather than competing primarily through scale, Publicis Sapient chose to concentrate on applying AI to the way businesses operate. Vaz's work centres on helping major companies integrate the technology into their operations and transform how they work.

A focus on business transformation

Vaz has spent more than 25 years advising senior executives on business transformation. His client list includes Carrefour, Goldman Sachs, Marriott and Unilever, which are among the world's largest companies.

The company's AI bet forms the central point of Vaz's explanation for its strategy. The “Navy SEALs” comparison presents Publicis Sapient as a focused participant in AI rather than a broad, mass-market organisation built around large numbers of employees.

Vaz's role combines technology work with advice to corporate leadership. His focus is not simply on AI as a standalone tool, but on embedding it into the operating practices of the businesses he advises.

Recognition for AI influence

TIME has named Vaz to its 2026 list of the 100 most influential people in AI. The recognition places his work with corporate leaders and his approach to AI-led transformation within a wider group of figures shaping the technology's development and use.

The distinction also gives added visibility to Publicis Sapient's decision to pursue AI through a specialised model rather than follow the traditional headcount-led path associated with India's IT sector.

Conclusion

Nigel Vaz's message is that Publicis Sapient chose focused AI-led business transformation over a low-cost, scale-driven model. His work with major companies and inclusion on TIME's 2026 AI list underline the profile of that strategy.