Centennial brands like Kraft Heinz, Levi Strauss, and Wells Fargo are harnessing Microsoft AI to revolutionize legacy processes, boost efficiency, and accelerate innovation. By embedding AI into workflows, these firms achieve higher ROI, preserve institutional knowledge, and empower employees to focus on strategic value.

How Century-Old Brands Are Redefining AI Innovation
Legacy companies aren’t just surviving; they’re thriving by embracing AI. These centennial brands blend decades of expertise with cutting-edge technology. Microsoft’s AI solutions are central to this transformation. They help companies like Kraft Heinz, Wells Fargo, and Levi Strauss innovate faster and smarter. Rather than incremental improvements, these firms unlock abundance by embedding AI deeply into workflows. This shift boosts creativity, efficiency, and resilience across industries.“People are craving AI and looking for it,” says Ken Meyer, CIO at Wells Fargo. “The adoption rate is faster than past technologies.”
Practical AI Applications Driving Real Results
Kraft Heinz uses Microsoft Azure OpenAI to power “The Cookbook,” an AI agent digitizing decades of production wisdom. This tool improves consistency and quality for their iconic products. Meanwhile, Wells Fargo leverages Microsoft 365 Copilot, with 92% employee adoption, to save time and enhance productivity. These solutions reduce mundane tasks and empower employees to focus on higher-value work. Additionally, AI-driven supply chain control towers and digital twins help firms anticipate disruptions and optimize operations. As a result, businesses increase speed-to-market and customer satisfaction while cutting waste.“Our digital transformation with Microsoft fuels growth and innovation,” says Oliver Ganschar of Kraft Heinz.
Why AI Reinvention Is the Key to Longevity
Being a Frontier firm means continuous reinvention, not just one-time change. Centennial companies use AI to stay relevant and competitive in fast-changing markets. They customize AI to fit unique workflows, gaining three times greater returns on investments. This human-centered AI approach balances automation with creativity and leadership. As a result, these brands build resilience and future-proof their operations. Partnering with trusted tech providers like Microsoft accelerates this journey, enabling scalable, secure, and integrated AI ecosystems. In summary, century-old companies prove that legacy can coexist with innovation. By leveraging AI thoughtfully, they unlock new growth opportunities and set new industry benchmarks. For tech leaders, the lesson is clear: embrace AI as a strategic partner in business reinvention. The future belongs to those who combine experience with smart technology to drive lasting impact.Key points from the article:
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