Companies are racing to hire for a role that might not exist in just five years

Investment in AI is at a record high, and more firms are looking to hire AI leaders.

Nearly half of the FTSE 100 have a designated Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers (CAIO), according to a new report.

“Debate continues as to both the content of the role and its future, with recent anecdotal evidence suggesting CEO is a realistic option for role progression,” ‘All In: The Corporate AI Leadership Race’ by London-based talent firm Pltfrm reads.

As per report, there are two distinct interpretations of what CAIO is and should be. They could be seen as AI savants – tech visionaries who are pushing the boundaries and coming up with innovative solutions, leading the change.

They could also be seen as shepherds supervising the army of “enthusiastic amateurs.”

“Here the CAIO isn’t building the next rocket – they're making sure it doesn't crash on launch.”

The report noted that it is crucial for companies to hire AI leaders who would be both bold and not too reckless with innovation.

Interestingly, in five years, the CAIO role might not exist anymore as AI will be so embedded within the organization.

“For the moment however, the race- to-hire shows no signs of abating. As with anything fast, new and nascent, there will also be mis-steps and at the likes of BT and Wipro, there have already been examples where the CAIO has not made it to the 2-year anniversary mark,” the report said.