Do You Really Need a Chief AI Officer?
A chief CAI officer (CAIO) can reduce AI fragmentation, lead transformational change, centralize risks, and overcome internal deficiencies. But the role can be less successful when there’s cross-functional conflict and overlap, an overemphasis on AI as a solution, or excessive costs. The strategic importance and organizational maturity of AI can help determine when a CAIO is needed. The authors lay out the pros and cons of hiring a CAIO, as well as four elements for setting up a CAIO for success.