Move over CIOs and CTOs—there’s a new power player in the AI boardroom.
According to the latest Gartner research, a seismic shift is underway in enterprise leadership. A whopping 70% of Chief Data and Analytics Officers (CDAOs) now lead AI strategy across organizations, marking a clear pivot from traditional tech-driven leadership toward data-first thinking.
And honestly? It makes sense.
In an economy increasingly powered by algorithms and predictions, data is no longer a byproduct of business—it’s the product. That means the people who understand how to govern, activate, and ethically deploy that data are becoming indispensable.
This rise of the CDAO is more than a title change—it’s a redefinition of who sets the pace in the AI race.
Once relegated to oversight roles focused on compliance and reporting, CDAOs are now guiding enterprise-wide transformations. They’re not just talking about governance frameworks or managing data lakes—they’re unlocking business value with AI, translating complex technical capabilities into tangible ROI.
It’s no surprise that 36% of CDAOs now report directly to the CEO—a sharp rise from just 21% a year ago. That’s a boardroom seat earned through strategic influence, not just technical competence.
But with great power comes great pressure.
Gartner warns that by 2027, 75% of CDAOs who can’t prove their worth in AI will lose their C-suite status. The message? Drive value or risk irrelevance.
CDAOs are now carving out three distinct paths:
The Expert: deeply technical, ensuring data integrity and analytics performance.
The Connector: bridging business and tech, embedding AI across departments.
The Pioneer: a full-spectrum leader fusing data, AI, and ethics to fuel transformation.
No matter the path, all CDAOs need a shared toolkit: business fluency, cross-functional collaboration, and the courage to lead AI responsibly.
As Gartner’s Sarah James puts it: “No other role is better positioned to make the necessary connections and sit at the center of the AI coalition.”
So here’s the bottom line: The future of enterprise AI doesn’t just need infrastructure—it needs interpreters. CDAOs are no longer the quiet stewards of data quality. They’re the architects of AI strategy—and they’ve earned their seat at the table.
The only question left: Can they keep it?
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