TL;DR: Artificial information is transforming the CIO role, expanding their influence and raising expectations. Our new survey reveals what today’s CIOs care about, where they get information and how communications leaders can earn their attention with credible, relevant content.
Chief information officers (CIOs) are transforming fast. AI is reshaping their mandate, expanding their influence and intensifying expectations from the C-suite. To effectively engage with this audience, communicators must understand the pressures they face, what they care about and the best channels to reach them.
To gain these insights, we recently commissioned a CIO Pulse Survey, based on responses from 200 senior IT leaders across enterprise and mid-market organizations in North America. The research found that AI is rapidly disrupting the CIO’s role and redefining what it means to be an IT leader.
AI at the Top of the Agenda
In the vast majority of organizations, CIOs are the primary decision-makers for AI strategy (74%). With 55% now expected to prioritize AI-first strategies before hiring new IT staff, and nearly half expected to deliver faster, they are also being asked to do more with less.
When asked to name their biggest challenges, managing enterprise-wide AI adoption was the top concern for 51% of respondents. Close behind were concerns about proving ROI on IT investments (37%), managing cybersecurity across hybrid environments (35%) and navigating AI in regulated industries (34%).
These findings show that CIOs are facing mounting pressures—not just to adopt AI, but to do so quickly, responsibly, securely and with measurable business impact. That’s a lot to put on one role.
The Expanding Role of the CIO
AI has pushed CIOs beyond their traditional scope. Thirty-eight percent report increased responsibility for ethical and responsible AI use, and 35% are now collaborating more deeply with data science and business teams. AI has become the new common thread across functions.
CIOs are also now expected to be more than technology experts, shifting to become broader business leaders. When asked how to improve the future of their role, one respondent summarized it succinctly:
“The biggest change needed is elevating CIOs to be true business strategists, empowering them with a voice beyond IT.”
Other common themes included the need to “bridge the gap between technical and business strategy” and to “embrace AI for business transformation.”
Where CIOs Turn for Insight
With the role and technology landscape evolving so rapidly, CIOs need trusted sources of guidance. Our research also revealed their top five channels for gaining AI information and best practices:
- CIO and IT peer communities
- IT media and news sites
- AI-powered tools and applications
- Industry events and conferences
- Online tech forums
Notably, this group did not list social media as a top five source, although we know from our work with clients that many are active on LinkedIn, subscribe to newsletters and follow industry peers and analysts for credible information.
For communications leaders, this means meeting CIOs in trusted, peer-driven spaces—and not wasting their time. Skip the fluff and deliver practical, data-backed and timely content to help CIOs make confident, informed decisions.
Strategic Guidance for Communications Leaders
If your organization wants to connect with CIOs, consider the following best practices for content creation and PR strategies:
- Speak to their business role, not just their technical expertise. CIOs are increasingly business strategists. Tailor messages that frame your value in terms of supporting organizational growth, ROI and transformation.
- Focus on responsible and secure AI. With ethical use and governance as top priorities, share stories, frameworks, and partnerships that demonstrate your commitment to security, compliance and trust.
- Leverage peer credibility. CIOs value peer insights. Use case studies, executive and customer interviews and panel discussions to position your brand as a facilitator of valuable peer knowledge sharing.
- Prioritize substance over hype. CIOs are under pressure to move fast and deliver results. Content that cuts through noise with actionable insights and use-case examples will resonate most.
At RH Strategic, we understand the complexities of communicating to the CIO audience. We’ve done the research and built the campaigns. From helping expand brand visibility in the right channels to crafting thought leadership that aligns with CIOs’ evolving roles, we help organizations stand out where it matters most.
If you’re ready to elevate your engagement with CIOs and IT leaders, let’s talk. We’re here to help build a PR program that drives mindshare and results.
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RH Strategic is a Seattle and D.C.-based PR agency with a nationwide presence and additional global reach via membership in the Worldcom Public Relations Group. We provide strategic public relations for innovators in the technology, government, healthcare, and social and environmental impact markets.
