Report | This Thanksgiving, We're Thankful for the People Powering Transformation: 125 CTROs Reveal What Else is Earning a Seat at the Transformation Table in 2027

This Thanksgiving, it’s time to recognize the people powering transformation – and take a closer look at what else deserves a seat at the table.

What are 125 Chief Transformation Officers actually prioritizing, funding and struggling with as they head into 2027? This benchmark report reveals who – and what – has made the transformation guest list. Drawing on survey responses from 125 Chief Transformation Officers, discover where leaders are investing, where they hold budget authority, what is holding transformation back and how the role itself is evolving.

So what's being brought to the transformation table?

• 81% rank AI platforms and applications as a high priority for the next 12 months
• 71% have direct budget authority for AI – the highest of any investment category
• 62% are managing 5+ transformation initiatives simultaneously
• Yet just 34% prioritize AI governance, safety and risk
• Only 7% prioritize data architecture and platforms

The message is clear: transformation may be scaling fast, but technology alone won’t deliver it. The people behind transformation, and the foundations that enable them to succeed, deserve their place at the table.

Joining the transformation guest list are expert perspectives from:

• Nazia Raoof, Business Transformation Executive, Cotiviti
• Madhu Mukherjee, VP and Head of Transformation and Data Science, USA TODAY
• Jacques McGregor, VP, Digital Business Enablement, Marathon Petroleum Enablement
• Jennifer Dorre, SVP of Business Transformation, KnitWell Group
• Vineet Mehra, Head of Functional Platform, Landside Finance and Controls, Maersk

This Thanksgiving, find out what’s earning a seat at the transformation table – and benchmark your priorities against 125 CTROs preparing for 2027.