The rise of the AI ​​executive: a new power player in the C-Suite

When AI moved from academia to corporate America, it didn’t just change how companies worked — it also reshaped what leadership looked like. A topic that was around a few years ago is now spreading rapidly: The AI ​​Chief (Caio). The role is indicative of how deep AI is embedded in business strategy and ownership.

According to IBM’s 2025 study, 26 percent of global businesses now have an AI chief, up from 11 percent two years ago. More than half (57 percent) are internally motivated, and two-thirds of executives predict that nearly every large company will have one in the next two years.

The topic appeared for the first time at the beginning of 2010, as deep learning began to burn, but it was learned about the work of 202 10 governments, which are used by human rights organizations.

The private sector quickly followed suit. AI strategies are beginning to migrate to the C-Suite, charting a new type of leadership role for the algorithmic age.

“AI used to be a specialized function that stayed under the CTO. Organizations realized that AI would be treated as a sidekick,” said Baris Gultekin, software giantflake’s Montroengament, told the viewer. “In addition to the chaos, we often hear that the customers of the ice cream now have large internal AI councils made by certain people in the relevant departments and effectively.” Gulteki reports on ice product leadership to the CEO.

Some of the most powerful AI AI agents are already innovating large-scale technologies. At Meta, Alexandr Wang, former CE CEO of AI AI, took part in mid-2025, Meta Superintelligence Labs alongside Nat FRIEDDANDMAN, Former Github CEO. Microsoft Suleyman’s Mustafa Suleyman, DeepMind Counder and former CEO of AI, now Microsoft AI, oversees the company’s long-term push. At Apple, veteran ai leader John Giannandrea, continues to guide the company’s AI direction, reporting directly to CEO TIM Cook.

Companies that go beyond technology are also joining the trend. Lulelomomo appointed Ranju Das as its first Chief AI and Technology Officer in September to promote personalization and innovation. Consultation with Elders PWC recently appointed Dan Priest, former VP and CIO at Toyota Financial Services, as its first US market chief. Even universities, such as UCLA and the University of Utah, have added cais to coordinate a Campuswide AI strategy.

From Cio to CDO to caio

In the 1980s, chief information officers (CIOS) led the IT Revolution; In the 2010s, chief data officers (CDOs) rose to prominence; Now, caios include the AI ​​center

“Caios are responsible for evaluating which parts of the business can be safely transferred to Agents ai, how teams can act by getting rich information from AI, and much more,” Sean Falconer, head of AI in the data distribution area “CDOS Ensure that the data is clean, and CIOs ensure that it is available. Caios ensure that the data becomes actionable and able to reflect, predict and take independent actions on behalf this business.”

In industries like banking, healthcare and retail, caios often act as translators, turning the hard power of AI into practical results. “They are navigating complex asset processes and cultural resistance, doing upskilling and protecting the will of the organization is becoming as critical as criticizing the models themselves,” said Gultenlake Gulteki.

The rise of the AI ​​chief parallels the growing influence of data engineers. A study by snowflake and mit technology Review Insights that 72 percent of global executives now view data engineers as critical to business success. More than half of data engineers are getting a bigger role in shaping AI deployments and deciding what use cases are possible.

“Businesses will always look for a CIO, and it has evolved over the years to provide strategic guidance to the business and not just the key area. “Caios’ mandate is clear: continuously push the boundaries of what is possible with AI, and ensure that the organization remains at the forefront of technological change, all while listening to customer needs and concerns.”