75 % of chief data & analytics officers ( CDAOs ) could lose their C-suite position by 2027 if they don’t demonstrate their value, according to Gartner, with primary responsibility for developing their organization’s AI strategy.
At the company’s Data and Analytics Summit last week in London, Sarah James, senior director researcher at Gartner, stated that this year is crucial for CDAOs to display their crucial role and show they can properly apply AI within their organizations.
“CDAOs ‘ exposure across the business, combined with their AI-ready information experience, position them uniquely to lead, guidebook, and challenge their respective organizations to effectively deliver benefit from AI. This makes the CDAO’s part crucial to AI accomplishment, James said.
5 key observations of Gartner’s CDAO plan review
1. The CDAO position allows CEOs to gain immediate access to them.
More CDAOs are reporting directly to the CEO as their influence increases, up from 21 % in 2024 to 36 % in 2025. This move reflects the increased strategic significance of AI management and data.
2. Companies are reevaluating the structure of AI command.
Gartner notes that “organizations are exploring different constructions for AI leadership,” despite the CDAO part remaining safe. This indicates a transitional period where businesses are testing how best to balance business plan and AI monitoring.
3. The function of the CDAO is changing.
Potential CDAO functions are categorized by Gartner as follows:
- An authority on business data governance and a leader who reports to IT.
- A port CDAO integrates D&, A application into products and services for Yr and advances the organization’s AI plan.
- The duties of the chief data officer ( CDO ), CDAO, and chief data and AI officer ( CDAIO ) are a part of a pioneer CDAx.
4. The D&, A authority will continue to vary.
” D&, A administration will continue to vary in the near future, and CDAOs should develop their abilities and knowledge that match their chosen career path. They may gain more visibility and authority in AI leadership, according to James.
5. 2025 is the year for CDAOs to demonstrate their worth
Gartner advises CDAOs to make the situation for how and where to use AI and modern technologies to offer their businesses a competitive edge.
More information about the study
504 international data and analytics senior officials were the subjects of the Gartner CDAO Agenda Survey for 2025, which was conducted between September and November 2024.
