What Is a Chief AI Officer and Who’s Leading the Field in 2026

What is a Chief AI Officer?

A Chief AI Officer (CAIO) is an emerging C-suite role dedicated to driving a company’s artificial intelligence strategy and innovation. This position has gained prominence amid AI’s rapid adoption across industries; in 2024, 78% of organisations reported using AI, a steep jump reflecting how quickly AI is becoming embedded in day-to-day business. The rise of AI promises positive change: by 2030 an estimated 30% of work hours will be automated by AI, opening opportunities for workers to focus on higher-value tasks. Far from eliminating jobs, AI is projected to create 170 million new roles globally by 2030, outpacing the 92 million positions it might displace. Employees are increasingly enthusiastic; nearly 49% of workers are excited about AI boosting their efficiency. Against this backdrop, organisations are appointing CAIOs to ensure these powerful technologies are implemented ethically, strategically and with maximum benefit. A Chief AI Officer guides the positive transformation by aligning AI initiatives with business goals, fostering innovation, and translating complex tech trends into tangible value for both the company and its audiences.

How the Rise of CAIOs Is Impacting Business and AI Strategy

The growing prevalence of Chief AI Officers is reshaping how businesses approach AI. As of 2025, roughly one quarter of organisations have a CAIO, up from 11% in 2023. This trend reflects AI’s shift from experimental to essential, and it is delivering results. Companies with dedicated AI leadership report about a 10% higher return on their AI investments compared to those without a CAIO. With a CAIO at the helm, businesses integrate AI across functions, ensure compliance with emerging regulations, and address ethics proactively. The result is improved efficiency, faster innovation and a culture where employees feel guided and confident using AI.

Who Are the CAIOs Leading the Field?

This official selection of the best CAIOs is based on vetted data from exclusive speaker evaluations and comprehensive audience polls. These industry leaders are spearheading AI initiatives in their organisations and inspiring audiences worldwide with their vision, expertise and ability to demystify AI.

1. Tiffany St James – The UK’s first Chief AI Officer and digital transformation leader.
2. Sol Rashidi – The world’s first Chief AI Officer (appointed in 2016) and former Fortune 100 tech executive.
3. Andrea Isoni – Chief AI Officer at AI Technologies and pioneer in brain–computer interface innovation.
4. Tom Hewitson – Co-founder and CAIO of General Purpose, a leading AI training firm, and a conversational AI expert.
5. Daniel Hulme – Chief AI Officer at WPP and CEO of Satalia, globally recognised AI thought leader.

Tiffany St James

Tiffany St James is highly sought after as a keynote speaker due to her groundbreaking role as the UK’s first Chief AI Officer and her extensive experience in digital transformation and leadership psychology. A trailblazer at the intersection of technology and people, Tiffany has held high-profile positions that showcase her innovative vision, from serving as the UK Government’s first Head of Public Participation, where she helped launch Data.gov.uk and introduce new digital practices across Whitehall, to becoming the Chief AI Officer for a major regional authority. She founded Transmute, a consultancy helping organisations build AI capabilities, and serves as UK Director for the Global AI Council, advancing AI literacy internationally. Tiffany has been recognised among the top women in tech, including a place in the “Top 25 Women Shaping the British Digital Industry”.

As a speaker, Tiffany combines deep technical insight with a psychologist’s understanding of human behaviour, making her presentations both informative and inspirational. She is known for translating complex AI concepts into practical strategies that any audience can grasp, whether discussing ethical AI, the future of work or leading change with emerging technology.

Tiffany’s Official Speaker Topics

Sol Rashidi

Sol Rashidi is a pioneering AI executive booked for her unparalleled real-world expertise and visionary leadership in artificial intelligence. Widely cited as the world’s first Chief AI Officer, she assumed the role in 2016 after helping launch IBM’s Watson in 2011. She went on to hold senior technology posts at Fortune 100 companies, including Sony, Merck, Estée Lauder and Royal Caribbean, where she led global data and AI strategies. Sol holds multiple technology patents and is the author of the best-selling book Your AI Survival Guide, further cementing her standing as a thought leader. She has been recognised by major publications for her influence in tech and AI.

Audiences value Sol’s dynamic style and her knack for connecting cutting-edge technology to practical business impact. She shares hard-won lessons from deploying more than 200 AI solutions globally, offering clear guidance on integrating AI into strategy, measuring value and preparing workforces for change.

Andrea Isoni

Dr Andrea Isoni is a leading AI expert whose breadth of experience and passion for innovation make him a standout speaker. As Chief AI Officer and Director of AI Technologies, he develops AI solutions for private enterprises and public-sector projects. His career highlights include pioneering work on brain–computer interfaces, pushing the boundaries of how AI can interact with neural activity, and influential roles in AI governance. He advises global bodies, including the IEEE and the International Organization for Standardization, placing him at the forefront of international AI standards and ethical guidelines. Andrea founded the AI venture Argutia Intelligence and advises on tech investments, demonstrating both entrepreneurial drive and strategic vision. He is also the author of Machine Learning for the Web, which distils complex concepts into accessible insights for professionals.

On stage, Andrea is known for clarity, enthusiasm and thought-provoking perspectives. He excels at translating intricate topics into clear, actionable ideas for engineers and business leaders alike. Drawing on a PhD in computational modelling and more than a decade of practice, he shows how AI is transforming industry and society, from regulation and governance to the future of work.

Tom Hewitson

Tom Hewitson is a pioneering conversational AI specialist and educator, in demand for keynotes that explore the human side of artificial intelligence. As co-founder and Chief AI Officer of General Purpose, a leading UK AI training company, Tom helps organisations and professionals integrate AI into daily work. He founded Labworks.io, a Webby Award-winning conversation design studio that became one of the world’s top publishers of Alexa voice apps. Earlier roles at Facebook and the UK Government Digital Service gave him first-hand experience designing AI-powered products used by millions. He has been named among the top leaders in voice AI and honoured as an Alexa Champion by Amazon.

Tom’s talks illuminate how intuitive assistants and chatbots can transform customer experience and workplace productivity. He is an expert in conversational design and is known for interactive, engaging sessions that demystify how AI works. Avoiding jargon, he ensures audiences leave with practical tips on adopting AI, building skills and tackling ethical challenges.

Daniel Hulme

Dr Daniel Hulme is a globally recognised AI authority and a compelling keynote speaker who blends deep technical insight with visionary business leadership. He is CEO and founder of Satalia, an AI solutions company later acquired by WPP, and now serves as Chief AI Officer for WPP, the world’s largest advertising group. In this role he guides AI strategy across numerous agencies, supporting thousands of employees and major global clients. With a PhD in artificial intelligence from University College London, Daniel brings rigorous academic grounding, teaches AI applications at universities and contributes to debates on AI policy and ethics. He has delivered multiple TEDx talks and has been named among the top Chief AI Officers globally.

Daniel’s keynotes are rich in insight and optimistic in outlook. He makes complex topics such as machine learning, decentralised systems and optimisation accessible and relevant. Drawing on examples from Satalia’s work with major brands and WPP’s global AI programmes, he explores how AI can drive positive social and commercial outcomes, and how organisations can build robust governance.

Daniel’s Official Speaker Topics

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