A new global study by cloud security and networking firm Netskope underscores that strengthening CEO–CIO alignment is becoming a defining factor for successful enterprises.
A new global study by cloud security and networking firm Netskope underscores that strengthening CEO–CIO alignment is becoming a defining factor for successful enterprise-wide AI deployment and long-term digital transformation.
The report, Crucial Conversations: How to Achieve CIO–CEO Alignment in the Era of AI, reveals that while CIOs are evolving into business strategists, gaps in collaboration, funding, and empowerment continue to slow progress on AI initiatives.
Key Findings: Strategic Gaps and Empowerment Barriers
- 39% of CIOs admit misalignment with CEOs on technology decision-making, while 31% say they lack clarity on CEO expectations.
- 34% feel insufficiently empowered to shape long-term IT strategy — a gap that could hinder AI maturity.
- Only 36% believe their organisation is adequately investing in IT modernisation, while 41% report underinvestment.
- One in four CIOs struggle to secure consistent CEO support for transformation plans.
“The CIO role is evolving faster than many organisations are prepared for,” said Mike Anderson, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Netskope. “Today’s CIO must operate as a business leader first — translating technology potential into measurable business outcomes.”
CEOs’ Dual Mandate: Innovate Responsibly, Control Costs
Interviews with CEOs and over 200 CIOs across the US and UK reveal that business leaders are giving CIOs a “double-edged mandate”: integrate AI to drive measurable value and operational efficiency, while safeguarding against overspending and governance risks.
While CEOs remain bullish on AI’s potential, they expect CIOs to balance bold innovation with rational, outcome-driven execution — avoiding the temptation of adopting technologies without a clear return on investment.
Expanding CIO Scope: From Tech Oversight to Workforce Design
The study highlights a new dimension in CIO responsibility — managing “agentic AI workforces.” As digital agents augment or replace human tasks, CIOs are increasingly accountable for performance metrics, productivity outcomes, and ethical oversight.
Over a third (37%) now rank business strategy and stakeholder management as more important than technical depth, signalling a decisive shift from operational management to strategic leadership.
Six “Crucial Conversations” Defining AI Success
Netskope identifies six strategic dialogue areas that can foster better CEO–CIO partnership and AI success:
Cost, Risk, Innovation, People, Measurement, and IT Estate.
These conversations, the report notes, will determine how effectively enterprises modernise and scale AI safely in the coming decade.
Experts contributing to the study — including leaders from AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Commonwealth Bank, Heathrow Airport, and Tenet Healthcare — emphasise that the most successful CIOs “speak the language of business value,” aligning technology agendas with growth, resilience, and shareholder trust.
“AI has accelerated the convergence of business and technology leadership,” Anderson added. “Organisations that master this partnership will define the next generation of digital innovation and corporate performance.”