The rise of the Chief Automation Officer: Does your business need one?

Traditional technology—like cloud computing, smart devices, and social media—laid the foundation for progress in the workforce over the last two decades. Now that technology is a regular part of workplace efficiency and communication, it’s hard to imagine life without it.

Lately, the spotlight has shifted to a new wave of technology—one that’s moving faster and making a bigger impact than anything we’ve seen before: artificial intelligence. Right now, 78% of employers say they’re already using AI in their business. And for those who haven’t jumped in yet, 88% say AI adoption is a top priority in 2025.

Completely disrupting how people work, AI is designed to mimic human intelligence, learn from data, and perform complex tasks simultaneously. As it continues to evolve, many companies are rethinking how they lead this charge and are adding a new face to the C-suite: the Chief Automation Officer (CAO).

But is this role essential? Do you need a CAO to lead your automation efforts? We’ll explore why companies are considering a CAO, what they bring to the table, and the key skills to look for when hiring one.

Why Companies May Need a Chief Automation Officer (CAO)

By 2030, the 2025 Future of Jobs Report predicts that human-only tasks will drop from 47% to 33%. AI is settling into its role in the workforce quite nicely, and now employers wonder if they need an executive to head up their automation strategies. Let’s start by looking at the benefits of hiring a CAO.

1. Businesses are drowning in inefficiencies and need strategic leadership

One of the biggest mistakes a company can make is implementing AI without a vision or strategy. This is a B-line to disjointed automation and frustrated employees. Businesses today are drowning in inefficiencies with no clear way to pull themselves out of the deep end. What they need isn’t just more technology—it’s strong leadership to guide them toward more intelligent automation. This is where a Chief Automation Officer (CAO) steps in.

A CAO takes a strategic approach to AI, identifying the best opportunities for automation, streamlining workflows, and eliminating bottlenecks. With a deep understanding of the company’s digital infrastructure, a CAO can ensure AI is integrated seamlessly across systems, making processes smoother without overcomplicating work for employees.

2. Data-driven decision-making is no longer optional

Businesses have used KPIs and data for years to steer their decisions, but it hasn’t always been easy. Sorting through endless data can feel overwhelming; when meaningful insights emerge, competitors may already be miles ahead.

Today, using data to drive decision-making looks much different. AI’s ability to process vast amounts of complex data quickly delivers insights at a speed and scale that simply aren’t humanly possible. And it uncovers patterns, trends, and opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed, helping businesses make smarter decisions.

By integrating AI and automation, CAOs can move from reactive decision-making to proactive leadership, ensuring their teams have accurate data to quickly and efficiently guide strategic moves.

3. The future of work requires agility and adaptability

As the world of work becomes more fast-paced, business leaders are looking to develop agile teams, ready to adapt and change at a moment’s notice. That’s why it’s no surprise that 38% of global C-suite executives prioritize agility when considering entry-level candidates for their organizations, according to recent LinkedIn research. 

Forward-thinking CAOs have a significant opportunity to help create a culture where employees develop the skills needed for an evolving workforce while growing and changing alongside technology. Using AI, they can identify agile performers and upskill their most valued team members.

When is it time to hire a CAO?

While AI and automation offer tremendous potential, not every business is ready to take the leap. Understanding where you stand in your AI journey can help determine whether hiring a CAO is the right move.

When a CAO may not be necessary

If your company is still in the early stages of experimenting with AI—perhaps testing a pilot project or exploring automation in just one or two departments—you may not need a dedicated CAO just yet. At this stage, AI is a helpful tool, but may not be used as a core business driver. When it’s time to hire a CAO

As AI becomes a bigger part of your business, having strategic leadership to guide its adoption can make all the difference. If any of the following apply to your organization, it may be time to hire a CAO:

• AI is influencing multiple internal processes, from operations to customer experience.
• Automation is no longer used at a smaller scale—it’s central to business strategy and future growth.
• You need leadership to oversee AI governance, ethics, and long-term automation goals.

When AI shifts from an experiment to a strategic advantage, a CAO ensures it’s implemented thoughtfully, ethically, and in a way that drives long-term success. If your business is scaling AI across departments, now may be the perfect time to bring in a dedicated leader who can harness its full potential.

What skills should a CAO have?

If you’ve decided it’s time to bring a Chief Automation Officer (CAO) on board, the next question is: where do you begin? A great first step is to identify the skills you’re looking for in an outstanding CAO. Let’s explore a few important qualities.

1. Technical and automation expertise

A strong Chief Automation Officer (CAO) brings more than just technical know-how—they have a deep understanding of how AI, machine learning, robotics, and automation tools can work together to make a real impact. They should have experience implementing automation tools, managing AI-driven workflows, and optimizing business processes using data and technology. 

2. Business and strategic thinking

A CAO should clearly understand how automation aligns with company objectives and how to turn it into a competitive advantage. They need to anticipate how AI will impact different areas of the business, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure the results deliver a return on investment.

3. Leadership and collaboration

With strong leadership and a collaborative spirit, a great CAO makes sure automation supports every part of the business, helping teams work better together and make changes that feel seamless.

Conclusion

AI and automation aren’t just tools—they’re transforming how businesses operate, make decisions, and stay competitive. As this evolution accelerates, the question isn’t just if your organization should embrace automation, but who should lead it.

Enter the Chief Automation Officer: part strategist, technologist, and change agent. While not every company needs one today, a CAO can help you move with intention, act on insights faster, and build a more resilient, future-ready organization.