Is AI Going to Catapult the CIO into the Boardroom?

As Al rewrites the rules of business, the CIO is stepping up as the visionary architect shaping the enterprise of tomorrow.

- Gagandeep Kaur

Today’s CIOs are not only orchestrating enterprise-wide digital transformation but also driving innovation, accelerating time-to-market, anticipating market shifts and customer behavior, optimizing operations through realtime insights, and even spearheading the creation of new revenue streams. The CIO's role is no longer just about supporting the business—it’s about shaping its future.

With technology now central to both customer experience and operational agility, CIOs are increasingly stepping into roles that require a combination of deep technology leadership and sharp business acumen. From leading Al adoption and enabling decision-making to co-owning digital initiatives that directly impact revenues, CIOs are emerging as pivotal architects of enterprise growth.

Many are taking on hybrid roles such as Chief Digital Officers (CDOs) and Chief Product & Technology Officers (CPTOs)—often seen as stepping stones to the CEO’s chair. “Now, only 60% of the CIO's responsibilities remain traditional—focused on IT infrastructure and systems management,” says Suresh Karnati, Senior Executive Vice President at Bajaj Allianz Life. “The remaining 40% is shifting towards business-focused responsibilities.”

Traditionally, CIOs were expected to ensure uptime, manage infrastructure, and reduce operational costs through technology. That is rapidly changing. “Today, their role has expanded to include driving digital transformation, enabling innovation, shaping business strategy, and delivering customer-centric solutions,” says Arun Chandrasekaran, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner.

How has the CIO role evolved?