C-level technology roles have rapidly multiplied in recent decades, with CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, and more recently, Chief AI Officers emerging as critical players in the C-suite. This expansion reflects the growing importance of technology in business, but it also leads to confusion over responsibilities and decision-making.

A recent study found that over 80% of tech leaders report unclear roles within their organizations, hindering efficiency and strategic alignment. To address this, companies are consolidating these roles into a new breed of “SuperTech” leaders who integrate data, technology, and business strategy under a single executive.

These leaders are often CIOs with expanded responsibilities, managing everything from data to cybersecurity and AI functions. This consolidation aims to clarify decision-making, improve accountability, and align technology initiatives more closely with overall business objectives. The shift is redefining what it means to be a tech leader in today’s business environment, emphasizing a blend of strategic vision, business acumen, and tech oversight.

Why It Matters: As businesses increasingly rely on data, AI, and other advanced technologies, the complexity of managing tech functions at the executive level grows. Consolidating tech roles under the CIO can streamline leadership, reduce overlapping responsibilities, and ensure that technology efforts are strategically aligned with business goals.

• Broadening the CIO Role: Today’s CIOs are evolving into SuperTech leaders, overseeing not just IT but a wide range of data and technology functions. These leaders often manage specialized roles such as Chief Data Officers, Chief AI Officers, and others, who report directly to them, fostering greater integration and coherence in tech leadership.

• Streamlined Decision-Making and Accountability: The proliferation of C-level tech roles often leads to overlapping responsibilities and confusion within organizations. By consolidating these roles, companies can streamline decision-making processes, clarify accountability, and enhance the execution of digital transformation initiatives.

• Emphasis on Business Orientation: SuperTech leaders prioritize business strategy and vision over purely technical skills. They act as business executives first, using their tech knowledge to drive strategic initiatives. Survey participants identified leadership and business strategy as the most critical skills for these roles, emphasizing a need for tech leaders who can think beyond traditional IT boundaries.

• Challenges and Alternatives: Not all organizations embrace the model. Some leaders argue that consolidation can dilute specialized oversight and reduce checks on major decisions. Where consolidation is not feasible, enhancing role clarity and fostering collaboration among existing tech leaders are alternative strategies to improve efficiency and alignment.

• Operational Integration: Many SuperTech leaders also take on operational responsibilities, further blurring the lines between technology and core business functions. This integrated approach helps position technology as a key driver of business success rather than a standalone support function.

Go Deeper -> Why Companies Should Consolidate Tech Roles in the C-Suite – Harvard Business Review