AI is Forging a Stronger link Between CIOs and CEOs
The rise of artificial intelligence is prompting a re-evaluation of leadership roles within companies, particularly strengthening the relationship between Chief Data Officers (CIOs) and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). While some organizations are creating new roles like the Chief AI Officer (CAIO) to navigate this shift, a growing perspective views AI integration as a core responsibility of the CIO.
Currently, many non-tech companies are assigning AI-related duties to existing technology leaders – the CIO, CTO, or CISO – based on their organizational structure. However, this approach is being challenged. Nokia recently exemplified the CAIO trend, appointing pallavi mahajan as its chief Technology and AI Officer and establishing new Technology and AI Organization (TAO) and Corporate Development Organization (CDO) teams to bolster its AI, security, and business development strategies.
Not all agree with the creation of a separate CAIO role. According to Carpenter, a CIO at Amplitude, AI adoption should be intrinsically linked to the CIOS function. “I’d like to think that the role of the CIO is realy leveraging technology to drive a business advantage, and AI is a critical part of that,” he stated. He believes creating a distinct AI leadership position risks duplicating efforts and potentially fragmenting crucial data initiatives. Carpenter is currently integrating operations, enablement, technology, and data teams at amplitude to effectively deploy AI, emphasizing the importance of “central data sources to enable AI” and avoiding ”multiple teams trying to create multiple different data sources.”
Despite differing opinions on the ideal organizational structure, experts agree that AI leadership is here to stay.longo notes that the responsibilities associated with a CAIO – defining AI strategy, governance, and implementation – are becoming permanent fixtures in the enterprise.Whether these responsibilities are housed in newly created roles or integrated into existing ones, the need for strong AI leadership is undeniable, and is driving a closer working relationship between technology and business leadership.
