CIOs Weather Role Change as AI Investments Come Into Focus
CIO Dive, Monday, June 15th, 2026
CIOs are shifting focus toward aligning IT strategy with business goals as AI investment decisions intensify.
CIOs face evolving responsibilities as organizations prioritize alignment between technology strategy and business outcomes. Per Experis's 2026 CIO Outlook survey of 1,900 tech leaders, strategic alignment has surpassed cybersecurity management as the top priority. While more than half of CIOs report positive returns on AI investments, roughly one-third believe their companies are overinvesting.
Experis U.S. President Kye Mitchell says successful leaders must "treat technology as a business leadership function" while avoiding "deploying AI for AI's sake." The talent shortage remains a barrier, with fewer organizations developing internal talent and more recruiting externally for critical roles.