Out with the Old
When the CIO position was initially created, the IT leader's job was to operate and manage a complex web of technology. Since COOs and CFOs at the time had little technological capacity, a CIO who managed the technical infrastructure provided enormous value to the company.
In an era where technology is embedded in the lives of staff in every department, business-people argue that managing complex technological infrastructure is no more deserving of C-level influence than someone who manages the electrical power supply. Saying that the CIO role is meaningless because everyone is comfortable with technology is like arguing that there is no need for a CFO because everyone can balance their checkbooks; however, the anti-CIO camp does have one point.