What: The Financial Times reviews the emergence of a new C-suite position, the Chief AI Officer.

Why it is important: Is that something truly needed or is it just a trend fad?

The rise of generative AI has led to a sharp increase in the number of companies hiring a designated "Chief AI Officer" (CAIO) to oversee the deployment of AI and manage the associated opportunities and risks. The CAIO role requires a blend of technical AI expertise and strong business acumen to drive transformation, identify new revenue streams, and mitigate ethical/security challenges.

CAIOs are sought after across industries, particularly in finance, healthcare, and consumer sectors, but tend to have backgrounds in computer science and business rather than cutting-edge AI research. Their responsibilities focus more on governance, change management, and "socializing the tech" within the organization, versus being on the bleeding edge of AI development.

While the CAIO position has significantly grown in the past 5 years, its long-term viability is uncertain. Some argue the role should be decentralized, with AI expertise spread across functions. Others believe CAIOs will adapt, potentially through fractional/part-time models for smaller companies. Ultimately, the CAIO represents a critical bridge between AI capabilities and business impact, even as the specific responsibilities may evolve.

The rise of the Chief AI officer