Have We Got a Job for You

The Evolving Role of the Chief Experience Officer

The chief experience officer (CXO) role varies significantly across different organizations, depending on which department owns customer experience—marketing, customer service, or an independent team. Many companies are still on their first CXO, and the position continues to evolve, particularly as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes integral to customer experience (CX) strategies.

According to new research from Deloitte, who surveyed 250 CX leaders across various industries, the CXO role is becoming increasingly technology-driven. AI-powered personalization and automation are reshaping CX, yet CXOs often face significant challenges, including limited influence and budget constraints.

Defining the CXO’s Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a CXO vary widely based on the organization’s structure. Some CXOs lead initiatives within contact centers, while others focus on product development or digital transformation. Regardless of their direct oversight, CXOs are typically accountable for the end-to-end customer journey, addressing pain points, and driving customer-centric strategies.

Reporting structures also differ. Some CXOs report to the chief marketing officer (CMO), while others operate at the same level as the CMO or report directly to the CEO or board. Their role extends beyond operational oversight, requiring them to influence company-wide CX strategies, advocate for customer needs, and oversee the technology platforms that shape customer interactions.

One of the critical challenges many CXOs face is acting as the customer’s voice in executive meetings, often playing the role of a contrarian to ensure that customer-centric decisions remain a priority. However, the ultimate goal is to create a company culture where customer advocacy is embedded across leadership, making the CXO’s role less about persuasion and more about strategic execution.

Driving Change with Limited Resources

CXOs often must drive meaningful change despite limited budgets and internal resistance. In the early stages of the role, proving the business value of CX improvements is imparative. Organizations are more likely to invest in CX when presented with compelling data demonstrating a direct impact on pipeline growth, customer lifetime value, and revenue.

By leveraging data-driven insights, CXOs can build a strong business case for customer experience initiatives, making it easier to influence executive decisions and organizational behavior.

Technology’s Role in Human-Centered CX

With nearly every customer touchpoint mediated through technology, the CXO’s role has increasingly aligned with human-centered design principles. As organizations adopt AI and automation, CXOs ensure that these technologies serve a human purpose—reducing friction in customer interactions, streamlining employee workflows, and enhancing overall engagement.

Rather than implementing technology for its own sake, CXOs focus on solving real customer problems, such as minimizing complexity in digital interactions, improving accessibility, and enhancing service responsiveness. This requires a balance between technological feasibility and human desirability, ensuring that innovations align with customer needs rather than complicate them.

Emerging Technologies and Their Impact on CX

The research highlights that CXOs must stay informed about emerging technologies, including edge computing, blockchain, and neuromorphic computing. These innovations have the potential to reshape CX by enabling real-time data processing, enhancing personalization, and providing new ways to understand customer behavior.

As experience leaders, CXOs are constantly evaluating whether these advancements improve or hinder customer interactions. Many are approached by startups offering AI-driven solutions such as sentiment analysis and voice recognition. Their challenge is to discern which technologies genuinely enhance CX and which may introduce unnecessary complexity.

Overcoming Organizational Resistance

Many CXOs encounter frustration due to the slow pace of change within their organizations. Despite their best efforts, progress can be hindered by structural challenges, risk aversion, and competing priorities. However, perseverance remains key.

As technology becomes increasingly powerful, so does the influence of executives who understand its impact on human experiences. Organizations that recognize the value of CX will continue to seek leaders who can quantify its business impact, develop strong use cases, and drive transformation.

The growing emphasis on CX and AI-driven customer engagement suggests that demand for skilled CXOs will only increase. Those who can navigate the complexities of organizational change while championing human-centered innovation will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of customer experience.