76% of firms now have Chief AI Officers as CEOs embrace AI for strategic decisions and leadership shifts.

A 2026 IBM study reveals 76% of organizations have appointed Chief AI Officers, up from 26% in 2025, reflecting AI's growing role in business leadership. Nearly two-thirds of CEOs are comfortable using AI to guide major strategic decisions, while 59% expect the Chief Human Resources Officer's influence to grow. The study highlights that AI is reshaping C-suite roles, accelerating decision-making, and requiring new leadership skills. By 2030, nearly half of operational decisions may be AI-driven, emphasizing the need for governance and workforce reskilling to harness AI's full potential.