Ryan FowlerArtificial intelligence, transformation demands and sustainability targets are driving the creation of new board-level roles, but business leaders are concerned about a shortage of skills to fill them, according to new research from Robert Half.
The recruitment firm’s study, Towards the C-Suite 2035, found that 83% of businesses expect the role of chief AI officer to become more important over the next decade, as firms look to harness artificial intelligence. A further 78% anticipate rising demand for chief technology transformation officers, while 73% believe the chief sustainability officer will play a greater role as ESG pressures intensify.
The survey also revealed that traditional leadership positions are expected to gain importance in parallel. Chief HR officers will be critical in delivering workforce transformation and succession planning, chief communications officers will be needed to manage strategic messaging, and chief operations officers will ensure stability during periods of rapid change.
Despite this, 59% of respondents said they were concerned about finding leaders for emerging roles. The research highlighted resilience (75%) and critical thinking (74%) as the most important skills, followed by creativity (68%), innovative capacity (67%) and emotional intelligence (65%). Workforce transformation experience was identified by 60% as essential for the next generation of executives.
Charlie Grubb, senior managing director at Robert Half Executive Search, said: “Given the significant transformation that we’re seeing in the corporate world due to the risks driven by emerging technologies, global market fluctuations and geopolitical tensions, it’s no surprise to see a range of emerging leadership positions developing within the boardroom.
“These roles will continue to evolve over the next decade, and while organisations may be concerned about finding the right talent today, the reality is that many of these capabilities are still emerging. However, the good news is that they can be developed. The attributes required for these positions already exist across the workforce, and the skills can – and should – be cultivated in all leaders.”
He added: “Take the example of the chief AI officer. Yes, this role will demand targeted career pathways and training in artificial intelligence, but that should be a strategic priority for the entire business, not just its leaders.
“Indeed, many of the competencies required, such as regulatory awareness, data governance, critical thinking, communication, agility and resilience, are already present in today’s talent pool. And while these softer skills are already being embedded into succession plans, the technical capabilities will require more structured support.
“That’s where businesses have a real opportunity: to proactively shape the leaders of tomorrow by investing in the right learning and development strategies today.”
