A growing majority of chief data and analytics officers (CDAOs) are taking the reins of enterprise AI strategy, but their long-term seat at the executive table will depend on demonstrating they are critical to AI success, according to new survey data released by Gartner.

The 2025 Gartner CDAO Agenda Survey, based on responses from 504 data and analytics leaders worldwide, found that 70% of CDAOs are now responsible for crafting their organization’s AI strategy and operating model. This marks a significant shift, reinforcing the CDAO’s evolution from data stewards to key drivers of digital transformation.

“2025 is a critical year for CDAOs, as AI presents a new opportunity for them to establish their rank in AI leadership,” says Sarah James, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, speaking at the Gartner Data & Analytics Summit in London. “No other role is better positioned to connect data with enterprise-wide AI value.”

Gartner warns, however, that the opportunity comes with risk. By 2027, 75% of CDAOs not seen as essential to AI success will lose their C-level title, according to the firm’s forecast.

More CDAOs reporting directly to CEO

The survey also found a notable power shift: 36% of CDAOs now report directly to the CEO, up from 21% in 2024. This uptick reflects the strategic importance of data and AI and a growing expectation that CDAOs help guide digital innovation rather than just manage infrastructure.

Despite this momentum, organizations are rethinking the structure of AI leadership, and the CDAO role is evolving in three distinct directions, Gartner says.

The 3 emerging CDAO archetypes:

1. Expert D&A Leader: Positioned primarily within IT, this version of the CDAO maintains centralized oversight of data platforms, business intelligence, and master data management. While less AI-focused, they bring cross-functional depth to enterprise data governance.
2. Connector CDAO: This leader acts as a bridge between the C-suite and technical teams, embedding AI and analytics into products, services, and decisions. Often the internal champion of the organization’s AI roadmap, they drive collaboration across business functions.
3. Pioneer CDAx: A hybrid role encompassing responsibilities of the CDO, CDAO, and Chief AI Officer, this executive leads enterprise transformation through cross-functional AI strategy. The Pioneer CDAx champions ethics, governance, and innovation, often becoming the face of responsible AI adoption.

“D&A leadership will continue to diverge in the near future,” James says, urging current and aspiring CDAOs to align their skills and vision with one of the emerging archetypes to secure long-term relevance and impact.

With AI adoption accelerating and regulatory scrutiny growing, Gartner’s findings highlight a critical inflection point for the role: CDAOs must evolve or risk being left behind.