Gartner Survey Reveals 70% of CDAOs Lead AI Strategy, Highlighting Evolving Role in Organizations

CDAOs Take Center Stage in AI Strategy

A recent survey conducted by Gartner, a leading research and advisory company, has revealed that 70% of Chief Data and Analytics Officers (CDAOs) are now primarily responsible for developing their organization's AI strategy and operating model 1

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. This finding underscores the growing importance of data leadership in the age of artificial intelligence.

The Gartner CDAO Agenda Survey for 2025, which gathered insights from 504 data and analytics executive leaders worldwide between September and November 2024, highlights the critical role CDAOs play in driving AI adoption and success within their organizations 1

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The Evolving CDAO Role

Sarah James, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, emphasized that "2025 is a critical year for CDAOs, as AI presents a new opportunity for them to establish their rank in AI leadership" 1

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. The survey results indicate a significant shift in the CDAO's position within organizational hierarchies:

• CDAOs reporting directly to the CEO increased from 21% in 2024 to 36% in 2025 1

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• By 2027, Gartner predicts that 75% of CDAOs not seen as essential to their organization's AI success will lose their C-level position 1

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Three Future Directions for CDAOs

As AI continues to reshape business landscapes, Gartner analysts foresee the CDAO role evolving in three distinct directions:

1. Expert D&A Leader: A central, cross-functional data expert overseeing global business intelligence, master data management, reporting, and data platforms 1

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2. Connector CDAO: An orchestrator of essential connections, embedding D&A solutions in smart products and services, and driving the organization's AI agenda 1

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3. Pioneer CDAx: A transformation and change agent, applying technology cross-functionally and championing solutions to D&A and AI concerns while upholding ethical principles and governance 1

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The Impact of AI on Data Leadership

The survey results highlight the unique position of CDAOs in leading AI initiatives:

• CDAOs' exposure across organizations and AI-ready data expertise make them pivotal to AI success 1

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• No other role has the same opportunity to make necessary connections and be at the center of the D&A and AI coalition 1

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James advises that "D&A leadership will continue to diverge in the near future, and existing and aspiring CDAOs should develop their skills and expertise that align with their chosen path" 1

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Implications for Organizations and CDAOs

As AI becomes increasingly central to business strategies, organizations are exploring different structures for AI leadership. The CDAO role, while secure, is evolving to meet these new demands 1

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. To maintain their C-level positions and enhance their role in AI leadership, CDAOs must:

• Align their skills and expertise with their chosen evolutionary path
• Demonstrate their essential role in their organization's AI success
• Continue to bridge the gap between executive leadership and the realms of data, analytics, and AI

The findings of this Gartner survey underscore the critical juncture at which data and analytics leadership finds itself, with AI presenting both opportunities and challenges for CDAOs to solidify their positions as key drivers of organizational success in the digital age.