As the next stage in digital evolution, automation demands C-level attention. Organizations that fail to infuse their automation portfolio with strategic, transformation-focused leadership are destined to remain stuck in the land of tactics. Forward-thinking organizations appoint a chief automation officer (CAO) to scale automation and nurture it into a vital strategic competency. CAOs provide stewardship and strategic direction for the portfolio of process excellence and automation to help the organization scale automation sustainably and infuse its value chain, operating model, and culture with automation-fueled transformation.