In the age of AI, the role of the CAIO will be indispensable (and here's why)

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AI underwent a paradigm shift in November 2022, pivoting from a technology advancing in the background to a frontstage disruptor. Fast forward to now and we’ve already reached the next phase of generative AI, with consumers embracing the technology and organizations beginning to invest at-scale.

Gen AI stands to fundamentally shift how businesses function and thrive. Put simply, it will rework work, particularly among knowledge workers.

Organizations that emerge from this moment of disruption as leaders will take a holistic approach to capturing the new value opportunities and enabling their workforce.

It’s been six months since I became vice chair of AI and digital innovation at KPMG U.S., our version of the latest C-suite role emerging: The chief AI officer (CAIO). The past six months have been marked by successes and hurdles, but one thing that my experience has confirmed: An empowered, accountable leader in the C-suite is critical to pursue bold, fast and responsible AI.

Many have asked me if this role should be filled by an established tech leader — such as a CIO, CTO or CDO. My response is quite simply: “No.” Without a doubt, tech leaders play a critical role, but the sheer magnitude and ubiquity of how gen AI will change the way we work and live requires a new visionary that balances technical understanding with business acumen, strategic foresight and innovation.

The disruption may be overhyped right now, but it’s under-hyped in the long run. This role requires someone who understands both the disruptive nature of gen AI and how to mobilize an entire enterprise. As organizations move beyond pilots and use cases to industrialize the technology across entire functions and enterprises, I’m sharing three insights from my experience.