The chief marketing officer is no longer just responsible for building a brand. As artificial intelligence reshapes everything from creativity to search, CMOs are increasingly expected to drive commercial growth, lead technology adoption, and influence business strategy across the organization.
“The CMO is basically a mini CEO,” says Dara Treseder, chief marketing and commercial officer at U.S. software company Autodesk. Speaking during Fortune’s Conversations from Cannes webinar, she says: “A CMO is looking after things at an enterprise-wide level. This is the golden era for marketers who master the technology and the tools and know how and when to use them.”
New York-based executive search company Russell Reynolds describes the modern CMO as “an architect of enterprise-wide growth and customer connection.” According to its research, more than 90% of CMO job descriptions posted in 2025 required performance expertise alongside experience leading and developing teams.
For many marketing leaders, AI is accelerating that shift, forcing CMOs to rethink not only how brands communicate, but how marketing contributes to growth across the business.
Taking a lead on technology
