There is no longer a single model of leadership. In 2026, CXOs are operating in environments shaped by AI-native products, distributed teams, tighter capital expectations, and global exposure from day one. Decisions that once took quarters are now made in weeks. The cost of misalignment — cultural, technological, or strategic — is immediate. The CXO Awards 2026 are designed for this reality. Rather than celebrating visibility or scale alone, the awards recognize leaders and