Who owns AI risk at work? Business and tech leaders can’t agree, PwC survey finds

What happened

PwC’s latest survey finds a major disconnect between business leaders and tech executives over who should own AI risk in organizations. While nearly half of business leaders want a new C-suite role to manage AI risks, only a quarter of tech leaders agree. Most tech experts expect existing roles like CIOs or data officers to handle AI responsibility. This split reveals a growing uncertainty about accountability as AI tools rapidly become entrenched in operations.

Why it matters

The absence of clear ownership on AI risk increases exposure to legal, ethical, and operational pitfalls. Without a single accountable executive, companies risk mismanaging compliance, bias, and security issues tied to AI systems. The debate also slows decision-making on risk controls because unclear roles dilute accountability. Business leaders pushing for designated AI risk chiefs signal a need for clearer governance aligning technology with corporate strategy. Failure to assign ownership raises the cost and complexity of integrating AI safely.

What to watch next

Expect companies and regulators to pressure boards for clearer AI governance models, possibly accelerating the creation of new executive roles focused solely on AI risk. Watch for firms experimenting with AI ethics offices or risk committees to bridge the gap between tech expertise and business accountability. The power dynamics between CIOs, CTOs, data officers, and emerging AI leads will also be critical. How companies resolve this will affect their agility managing AI risk and their ability to scale AI initiatives with confidence.

AI Quick Briefs Editorial Desk