The era of artificial intelligence requires senior leaders who can not only understand emerging technologies but also spearhead AI-driven innovation and transform their organizations. To meet this critical demand, Duke University's Fuqua School of Business has introduced the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO) Program.
This 6-month, multi-modular program provides an immersive, hands-on learning experience designed to equip executives with the strategic knowledge and leadership skills required to harness AI for business transformation and value creation.
By the end of the program, participants will be prepared to align AI opportunities with business strategy, leverage emerging AI tools, manage risks, and lead people through complex AI transformations.
About the Duke Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer Program
The Duke CAIO Program is designed to equip experienced executives to develop and implement enterprise-level AI strategies.
Led and delivered by renowned, cutting-edge researchers, practitioners, and industry experts from across Duke's expertise domains, the curriculum bridges the gap between technical understanding and executive leadership.
The program features a blend of live-online and on-campus engagements, ensuring participants learn how to drive organizational growth and champion a compelling AI vision for their enterprise.
Program Highlights
To ensure a comprehensive and flexible learning experience, the program features several key highlights:
- Blended Format with On-Campus Immersion: The program features immersive live-online sessions combined with two 5-day in-person immersions at Duke University, which include hands-on workshops and team-building sessions.
- Expert Faculty and Industry Leaders: Participants learn directly from world-renowned Duke faculty, industry experts, and top executives.
- Masterclass Webinars: Learners attend exclusive webinars on trending AI topics led by industry experts and faculty.
- Peer Interaction: The program facilitates networking with a global peer group to expand professional connections and leverage shared insights.
- Real-World Applications: Learning is solidified through real-world case studies and practical applications.
What Makes This Program Unique?
Upon completion of the CAIO program, graduates receive premier benefits as part of Duke University's Fuqua School of Business.
- Prestigious Credentials: Graduates earn the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer Program certificate from Duke Executive Education and the Fuqua School of Business.
- Global Alumni Network: Graduates are included in The Fuqua School of Business alumni LinkedIn network (a private group with 15,000+ members) and the Duke University alumni directory, granting access to affinity, industry, and regional groups.
- Career Advancement Tools: Participants gain access to CareerBridge, Fuqua's exclusive job board, and can post targeted career opportunities for their own organizations through Fuqua's Career Management Center job portal.
- Exclusive Resources: Learners receive the monthly "Team Fuqua Flash" newsletter, access to Fuqua's alumni events and webinars, and access to Fuqua's Ford Library while on campus.
Who Should Enroll?
The program is ideal for senior leaders aiming to surpass conventional career milestones and apply new knowledge in dynamic environments. Specifically, it is designed for:
- Executive Leadership: CXOs, Presidents, Vice Presidents, Directors, and other senior executives looking to enhance AI expertise at strategic and operational levels.
- Functional & Technical Leaders: Senior functional managers, technology leaders, and business heads seeking to align their work around AI strategy.
- Experienced Professionals: Individuals with distinguished careers across diverse industries seeking to expand their AI knowledge.
What You Will Learn?
The curriculum is structured into three core leadership sections and culminates in an applied Capstone Project:
Section 1: Leading the Business
Focuses on AI Strategy & Innovation, underlying technologies, and building AI tools for corporate innovation. Topics include adopting and scaling AI, finding AI opportunities (and measuring ROI), exploring the AI frontier (including Agentic AI), and applying AI across functions like Marketing, Operations/Supply Chain, and Finance.
Section 2: Leading the Organization
Covers the management of AI initiatives, including assessing the success or failure of AI implementations. Key topics include AI data security, cybersecurity, AI governance, legal compliance, and ethics. It also addresses AI infrastructure, including compute, tooling, scalability, and cost implications.
Section 3: Leading People & Self
Guides executives through leading AI-era organizational transformation, restructuring, and AI's impact on hiring. It equips leaders with essential tools like an entrepreneurial mindset, agile leadership through ambiguity, resilient leadership, and building a personal executive brand.
Capstone Strategy Project
Participants develop a strategic plan for an AI opportunity relevant to their company or business function. The self-directed project unfolds in five phases:
- Identify the Opportunity: Methodically analyze the business area to identify an AI topic.
- Develop a Plan: Design a plan for capturing the identified opportunity.
- Stakeholder Communication: Develop a strategy to convey the AI strategy to internal and external stakeholders.
- Implementation Roadmap: Create a detailed roadmap including key milestones and resource allocation.
- Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation: Establish a methodology to monitor execution and adapt in real-time.
Key Learning Outcomes
After completing the program, participants will be positioned to:
- Develop forward-looking AI strategies to drive business growth and innovation.
- Identify and capture high-impact AI opportunities across key business functions to transform operations.
- Harness generative AI and emerging technologies to enhance decision-making and optimize the organization.
- Lead organizational transformation by effectively managing AI initiatives, governance, and ethical considerations.
- Elevate C-suite leadership effectiveness to drive impact, productivity, and organizational transformation in the AI era.
Next Step
The program features a straightforward 3-step application process with rolling admissions. Interested candidates must submit an online application that includes a resume (in Word or PDF format) and two professional references. Once the Admissions team reviews the application, candidates may be invited for an interview before a final decision is notified.
