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Deloitte's CIO Program has released new findings from its "Tech Exec Survey," highlighting a significant evolution in the role and influence of technology leadership within the enterprise. The data reveals that 80% of tech leaders report their responsibilities have greatly expanded to meet business objectives, with a notable 65% of CIOs now reporting directly to the CEO—a substantial increase from 41% a decade ago. This shift underscores technology's ascent from a support function to a core growth driver, positioning tech executives as central architects of business advantage.
Quick Intel
80% of tech leaders say their roles and responsibilities have greatly expanded.
65% of CIOs now report directly to the CEO, up from 41% a decade ago.
67% of CIOs aspire to become CEO, the most ambitious of all tech leaders.
52% of tech orgs are viewed as revenue generators, 48% as service centers.
CIOs reporting to the CEO are more likely to be the primary leaders for GenAI.
92% of tech leaders believe the CIO role will still exist in five years.
The survey identifies a pivotal divide in how technology functions are perceived. While 52% of organizations view their tech org as a revenue generator, 48% still see it primarily as a service center. This perception has a direct impact on priorities and operations. Leaders in "growth engine" tech orgs are more focused on expanding into new markets, are more likely to be the primary leaders implementing GenAI, and feel their role is clearer and better-defined compared to their peers in "service center" environments.
The direct reporting line to the CEO is fueling significant career ambition among CIOs. The survey found that 67% of CIOs aspire to pursue a CEO role in the future, making them the most ambitious among all tech leaders (compared to 41% of CTOs and 55% of CISOs). Their peers believe CIOs are well-suited for the top job due to their proven leadership skills, ability to drive innovation and growth, and a track record of building high-performing teams. This is further evidenced by the broad, integrated teams they lead, which often include CTOs, chief digital officers, and CISOs as direct reports.
Deloitte's leadership positions this as the realization of a long-anticipated trend. "Today's technology leaders aren't just influencing revenue and strategy; they're redefining leadership itself," said Lou DiLorenzo Jr., Technology, AI, and Data Strategy Practice leader at Deloitte. On the critical CEO-CIO relationship, Anjali Shaikh, CIO and CDAO Programs U.S. leader at Deloitte, stated, "The shift in reporting lines is more than a structural change, it's a statement of trust... Today, the CEO-CIO partnership is helping shape how organizations grow, innovate, and lead."
Deloitte's survey paints a clear picture of a transformed corporate landscape where technology leadership is inextricably linked to business strategy and growth. The modern CIO, with an expanded mandate, direct CEO access, and significant career ambition, is now a central figure in driving enterprise value. This evolution confirms that technology is no longer a backend cost center but a primary engine for competitive advantage and future-proofing the business.
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