# Gartner research: 65% of CMOs expect drastic AI-driven transformation

- Published: 2026-10-20T09:00:45.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-20T10:02:29.369Z
- Section: AI in practice
- Topics: Agents
- Page: https://aidailyjournal.com/en/n/2026/10/20/gartner-research-65-of-cmos-expect-drastic-ai-driven-transformation/
- Sources: [MIT Technology Review Brasil](https://mittechreview.com.br/do-assistente-ao-agente-evolucao-marketing-24-horas)

## Summary

Gartner research released in February 2026 found that 65% of surveyed CMOs expect artificial intelligence to drastically transform their roles over the next two years, while only 32% say they need to develop significant skills changes. MIT Technology Review Brasil argues that the gap reflects a focus on individual tools, such as chatbots and content generators, rather than changes to companies’ processes.

The article distinguishes automation, which executes predefined steps, from agents, which receive a goal and choose the steps to achieve it. It also defines orchestration as the coordination of multiple agents. According to the analysis, marketing AI adoption happens in stages; the first is the assistant stage, involving tools embedded in marketing technology that broaden access to knowledge but still produce mainly individual gains.

## Why it matters (editorial interpretation)

The gap between expecting deep transformation and anticipating few skill changes may indicate that many teams still view AI as an individual productivity tool rather than a process redesign. The distinction between automation, agents, and orchestration helps place marketing adoption in this early stage.

_Summary written by AI Daily Journal in its own words, based on the sources above. For details, read the original articles._