Deloitte: CIOs Report Directly to CEOs as Tech Drives Growth

Technology leadership is undergoing structural changes at enterprise level, with Chief Information Officers increasingly positioned as revenue drivers rather than solely technical managers, according to research from Deloitte.

The consulting firm’s CIO Programme has published the second wave of findings from its Tech Exec Survey, examining how the technology C-suite is reshaping enterprise value and organisational hierarchies. The survey indicates that 80% of technology leaders report their roles and responsibilities have expanded to meet business objectives.

The research follows initial findings released in June 2025, which showed that half of surveyed technology leaders have four or more tech C-suite leaders at their organisations, and nearly seven in 10 technology leaders plan to increase their tech function’s headcount in response to Gen AI.

Lou DiLorenzo Jr., Technology, AI and Data Strategy Practice Leader at Deloitte, says: “This moment marks the realisation of what we’ve long anticipated: the expanded strategic role of CIOs and the broader tech C-suite.”

Deloitte survey shows CIOs report to CEOs

Reporting structures are shifting as technology becomes a growth engine, with 65% of CIOs now reporting directly to the CEO, according to the Deloitte findings: an increase from 41% a decade ago.

The survey data shows that 66% of CIOs who report directly to the Chief Executive say it positions them to help drive business strategy and results.

Anjali Shaikh, Managing Director and US Tech C-Suite Programmes Leader at Deloitte, says: “The shift in reporting lines is more than a structural change, it's a statement of trust. Increasingly, CEOs are as invested in the tech agenda as CIOs themselves, a marked shift from the past when technology was seen as a support function rather than a source of competitive advantage.”

The research reveals that CIOs demonstrate the highest career ambitions among technology leadership roles, with over two-thirds expressing interest in pursuing a CEO role in the future. Colleagues who believe CIOs could transition to the top position cite proven leadership and management skills (39%), ability to drive innovation and growth (37%) and track record of building high-performing teams (37%) as reasons.

In comparison, only 41% of Chief Technology Officers, 42% of CDAOs and 55% of Chief Information Security Officers view the CEO role as a future aspiration.

Anjali adds: “The CEO-CIO partnership is helping shape how organisations grow, innovate and lead”.

Tech departments split between revenue and service roles

Survey respondents show divided perceptions of the tech function, with 52% saying their tech department is viewed as a revenue generator and 48% saying they’re primarily considered a service centre.

The Deloitte research breaks down this data by company size, revealing that two-thirds of executives at large firms view tech as a revenue driver compared to less than half at mid-sized organisations.

When technology is viewed as a growth engine rather than a service centre, leaders shift their priorities, according to the survey findings. This manifests in areas including increased focus on growth and prioritising expansion in new markets, leading implementation of Gen AI across the organisation and CIOs reporting to CEOs to help deliver business outcomes in tech.

Technology leaders reshape enterprise strategy

The research points to technology leaders influencing not just technical infrastructure but broader business strategy. Lou DiLorenzo Jr. says: “Today’s technology leaders aren’t just influencing revenue and strategy; they’re redefining leadership itself.

“To be seen as true strategists, CIOs and CTOs should move beyond managing systems. They are increasingly becoming architects of business advantage, integrating talent, data and technology to help drive transformation, fuel sustainable growth and reimagine how the enterprise competes and endures.”