Gartner Chief Legal Officer Thomas Kim to Step Down as City Reads Spotlight on AI ROI Challenges

Gartner (NYSE: IT) confirmed that Thomas Kim, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary, will step down effective October 16, 2026, citing his pursuit of a new senior executive opportunity; the company noted there were no disagreements related to its financials, operations, policies or practices.

This departure, disclosed in a Form 8‑K filed on October 3, 2026, marks a notable executive change, although Gartner stressed the move is not a result of any internal conflict.

At the same time, attention at the company’s IT Symposium/Xpo in Orlando has shifted to the growing gap between AI investment and actual business returns. A survey presented at the event revealed only 13% of CIOs report that their enterprise has achieved significant or transformational value from AI. Additionally, Gartner highlighted concerns that even though CEOs plan to increase technology investment, 44% struggle to demonstrate the financial returns of AI initiatives—underscoring investor caution in the face of growing AI skepticism.

These developments surface amid ongoing investor scrutiny of Gartner’s ability to monetize AI insights, even as they raise broader questions about the pace and effectiveness of enterprise AI adoption.

Article Highlights:
• Thomas Kim’s departure effective October 16, 2026, confirmed via 8‑K.
• At the Orlando Symposium, only 13% of CIOs report transformational AI value.
• 44% of CEOs say it’s difficult to demonstrate AI-driven financial returns.