Gartner: Why CDAOs are now Leading Enterprise AI Strategy

Enterprise technology leadership is changing as organisations strive to harness AI capabilities.

With traditional power structures giving way to data-centric leadership models, AI strategy now requires more than technical implementation but deep understanding of data assets, governance frameworks and cross-functional business applications.

For decades, technology leadership in corporations has been dominated by Chief Information Officers (CIOs) focused on infrastructure and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) concentrated on innovation pathways.

However, as data volumes have grown exponentially and AI technologies have matured from experimental projects to mission-critical investments, organisations have recognised the need for specialised leadership roles that bridge technical data management and strategic business outcomes.

Therefore, the Chief Data and Analytics Officer role has emerged from this requirement, initially focused on compliance, data quality and basic analytics.

Yet now, as enterprise AI initiatives accelerate, these executives find themselves equipped with the cross-functional visibility and data expertise needed to translate AI potential into measurable business value.

Looking into this evolution, Gartner provides evidence of how and why the CDAO role has expanded.

The evolution of CDAOs

This role evolution proves the broader shift from viewing data as a by-product of business operations to recognising it as perhaps the most valuable organisational asset in an AI-powered economy.

Gartner reports that 70% of CDAOs now hold primary responsibility for developing AI strategy and establishing operational frameworks within their companies – a development from traditional technology leadership structures where CIOs and CTOs dominated strategic decision-making.

This redistribution of technological authority coincides with the growing recognition that data – and the capacity to leverage it through AI systems – has become fundamental to business competitiveness in the current market environment.

The evidence of this transition appears in reporting structures, with 36% of CDAOs now reporting directly to CEOs in 2025, compared to 21% in the previous year, according to Gartner.

This upward trajectory in reporting lines demonstrates that data leadership functions have evolved from support roles into strategic drivers central to executive decision-making processes.

Sarah James, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, says: “2025 is a critical year for CDAOs, as AI presents a new opportunity for them to establish their rank in AI leadership.

“CDAOs’ exposure across the organisation – combined with their AI-ready data expertise – positions them uniquely to lead, guide and challenge their respective organisations to successfully deliver value from AI.”

CDAOs risking demotion without AI success

The stakes for CDAOs appear high as investment in AI technologies accelerates across sectors.

Gartner projects that by 2027, 75% of CDAOs who are not perceived as essential to AI implementation success will lose their C-level status within their organisations.

According to the research, the establishment of the CDAO role as a strategic function stems from the increasing complexity and ubiquity of data, alongside its applications and value to enterprises.

CDAOs now face pressure to translate their technical expertise into measurable business outcomes, particularly as boards and chief executives seek returns on AI investments.

Gartner’s three evolution paths for CDAO’s

Gartner has identified three divergent career trajectories for CDAOs based on its study.

The expert data and analytics leader
The first path positions the CDAO as an expert data and analytics leader who functions as the central authority on data matters.

This executive oversees business intelligence systems as well as master data management processes that maintain consistency across enterprise data assets.

The role typically reports to the IT department and ensures organisation-wide data integrity and utilisation.

The connector CDAO
The second path casts the CDAO as a connector who bridges communication gaps between C-suite executives and technical data and AI teams.

This role focuses on embedding analytics capabilities into products and services while advancing the AI agenda throughout the organisation.

The pioneer CDAx
The third direction Gartner identifies is what it terms the “pioneer CDAx” – an executive who serves as a transformation agent by combining data, analytics and AI leadership responsibilities.

This role champions ethical principles and governance frameworks while fostering cross-functional innovation across the enterprise.

Each of these career paths requires different skillsets, ranging from business acumen and communication abilities to technical expertise and change management capabilities, according to the research.

“D&A leadership will continue to diverge in the near future and existing and aspiring CDAOs should develop their skills and expertise that align with their chosen path,” Sarah says.

“This will help them to enhance their role and place in AI leadership.”

“No other role has the opportunity to make the necessary connections and be at the centre of the D&A and AI coalition of the willing.”

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