Marketing’s new mandate: Why AI is forcing CMOs to think like ‘mini CEOs’ 

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 

Donna Smith, EMEA Partnerships at marketing and media business Monks, describes the CMO as one of the most valuable roles in the C-suite. “The position has become so multifaceted,” she says. “You have to be very technology savvy now to be a CMO.” 

But while AI is becoming central to the marketing toolkit, leaders remain cautious about how far it should shape creative work. Fortune and Morning Consult’s survey of 1,100 finance and marketing decision-makers in the U.S., U.K., and Canada found that 78% are either somewhat or extremely concerned that AI-generated content could reduce consumer trust in brands.  

“This is the golden era for marketers who master the technology and the tools and know how and when to use them”Dara Treseder, chief marketing and........

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