Key insights include:
Christian & Timbers recorded a 45% increase in CISO and Chief Security Officer replacement searches during the first seven months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.
Demand for AI-native CISOs increased 256% year over year. By 2026, every executive search required proven expertise in securing agentic AI systems, up from fewer than half in 2025.
Agentic AI security has become the baseline expectation. The ability to secure AI agents is the minimum qualification for the role.