ATLANTA –  Oct. 6, 2026 – AI is everywhere in marketing, but its impact remains hard to define. Every marketing leader surveyed reports using AI, yet 46% have not moved beyond pilots, and 52% believe they are underutilizing the technology, according to the Q3 2026 CMO Signals & Shifts report released by Arketi Group and JM Search.

Based on input from more than 100 marketing, communications and public relations leaders, including 35 CMOs, the report uncovers six surprising truths about how leaders are applying AI, where they are seeing value (if any), and what is getting in the way of realizing the full potential of AI for today’s modern marketing function.

“Every marketing leader we surveyed is using artificial intelligence in some way, shape, or form, but many are struggling to measure the bottom-line value it delivers, especially beyond anecdotal efficiency gains,” said Dan Earle, vice president of Arketi Group. “At the same time, our research shows many marketers are deeply concerned about eroding brand trust when using AI. They’re keeping human judgment and review at the center of their work as they expand their use of the technology.”

Beyond adoption, the report also reveals where AI is delivering value and how marketing leaders are approaching search visibility, content quality, and brand engagement:

• AI’s most measurable gains are in productivity, led by output and volume (29%) and speed to market (19%).
• Skills and talent gaps are the leading barrier to understanding AI’s ROI, cited by 41% of leaders.
• 72% of CMOs consider visibility in AI-driven search a high or critical priority.
• Nearly two-thirds believe AI-generated “slop” is hurting content quality or creating growing risk.
• Human review tops the list of practices leaders consider most important for building (and maintaining) brand trust (48%).

The survey was conducted in August 2026 among leaders at companies ranging from $10 million to $1 billion and up in revenue, across industries including technology and software, financial services and professional services.

The complete Q3 2026 CMO Signals & Shifts report is available at:  https://arketi.com/cmosurvey-2026q3/

About the Survey
The CMO Signals and Shifts: Q1 2026 survey was conducted by Arketi Group and JM Search in July and August 2026. The survey included responses from more than 100 marketing, communications, and PR leaders, including 35 CMOs, representing organizations ranging from $10 million to $1 billion and above in annual revenue. Respondents represented industries including technology and software, financial services, and professional services.

Download the Full Report
To access the complete findings and analysis, download the CMO Signals & Shifts: Q3 2026 Report at https://arketi.com/cmosurvey-2026q3/

About Arketi Group
Arketi Group helps organizations develop and execute digital marketing and communications strategies that drive real business impact. Trusted by companies including Cantaloupe, CHEP, Cox Communications, Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US LLC, Stryten Energy, and Zyxel Communications, Arketi is consistently recognized by Chief Marketer and PRNEWS as a “B2B Top Shop.” Learn more at arketi.com.