CDAOs Face Critical Deadline to Prove AI Value by 2027, Warns Gartner
Chief Data & Analytics Officers (CDAOs) hold a key role in shaping their organization's AI strategy. However, Gartner warns that 75% of CDAOs risk losing their C-suite positions by 2027 if they fail to demonstrate clear AI-driven impact. The year 2025 stands out as a crucial period for CDAOs to validate their contributions and firmly establish their leadership in AI implementation.
According to Sarah James, senior director analyst at Gartner, CDAOs are uniquely positioned to lead AI initiatives due to their organization-wide exposure and expertise in AI-ready data. This dual advantage places them at the center of delivering tangible AI value.
Five Key Insights from Gartner’s 2025 CDAO Agenda Survey
- Growing Direct Access to CEOs
By 2025, 36% of CDAOs will report directly to the CEO, up from 21% in 2024. This signals a shift reflecting the increasing strategic importance of data and AI leadership at the highest level. - Reevaluating AI Leadership Structures
Organizations are experimenting with various AI leadership models. While the CDAO role remains vital, companies are exploring how best to align AI oversight with broader business strategies. - The Evolving CDAO Role
Gartner identifies three emerging CDAO profiles:- An expert data and analytics leader focused on enterprise data governance reporting to IT.
- A connector CDAO who integrates data and analytics into products and drives the AI agenda for CXOs.
- A pioneer CDAx combining roles of chief data officer, CDAO, and chief data and AI officer.
- Divergence in Data & Analytics Leadership
CDAO roles will continue to evolve in different directions. Executives should develop skills aligned with their chosen path to strengthen their position in AI leadership. - 2025: The Year to Prove AI Value
CDAOs need to clearly define where AI and digital technologies should be deployed—and where they shouldn’t—to secure a competitive edge for their organizations.
About the Survey
The insights come from Gartner's CDAO Agenda Survey for 2025, conducted between September and November 2024. It gathered input from 504 global data and analytics executive leaders, providing a comprehensive view of evolving leadership trends.
For executives aiming to sharpen their AI leadership skills and stay ahead in this fast-changing landscape, exploring specialized AI courses can be a practical step. Resources like Complete AI Training’s latest AI courses offer targeted learning paths that align with emerging roles and responsibilities.
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