AI Productivity & Automation Benchmark for Commercial Leaders (2026)

Insights from 63 senior commercial leaders on AI adoption, productivity, and operational roadblocks across sales, marketing, and operations.

 

AI is no longer theoretical for commercial teams — it’s already being used across sales, marketing, and operations.

The challenge isn’t whether AI works. It’s how organizations move from individual experimentation to repeatable, measurable productivity gains.

This benchmark captures how senior commercial leaders are actually using AI today, where they’re seeing value, and what’s preventing broader impact.

 

AI Benchmark Report

Inside the Benchmark

Key Insight:  Many teams are already regular AI users — yet nearly 60% report no centralized owner for AI strategy or productivity improvements. The most common blocker isn’t fear or budget; it’s integration into existing systems and workflows.

  • How commercial leaders describe their current level of AI maturity
  • Where teams are using AI today — and where they aren’t
  • The most common blockers preventing greater AI impact
  • The lack of centralized ownership for AI strategy and productivity
  • Early usage patterns across:
    • prospecting and outreach
    • CRM and sales operations
    • content and marketing workflows
    • training and post-sale support

 

Methodology
This benchmark is based on responses from 63 senior commercial leaders who completed a short survey focused on AI usage, productivity, and operational workflows. All responses have been anonymized. No company or individual-level data is identifiable.

 

Connexis Search Group works with commercial teams on productivity, operations, and automation. This benchmark reflects real-world patterns observed across senior sales, marketing, and operations leaders.