Technology leadership, remuneration and AI adoption in PE-backed businesses

Finatal’s first Tech, Data & AI Remuneration Report brings together reward benchmarks and findings on AI adoption, business results and leadership structure. Drawing on a 2026 survey of technology, product and data professionals, it explores how employers can connect remuneration with the responsibilities of a role and the resources needed to deliver.

The report benchmarks base salary and target bonuses for CPOs, CTOs, CIOs and Heads of Data, alongside long-term incentives. CTOs record the highest estimated average base salary at £292,784, while CPOs have the highest estimated average target bonus at 57% of salary. These figures provide a starting point for understanding how packages differ across leadership roles.

AI is also becoming part of the leadership brief. While 55% of respondents have at least one AI application in production, 39% have a formal plan agreed at board or investor level. The research also finds that 57% report measurable results from Technology, Product, Data or AI projects, with lower costs and better margins leading revenue growth.

For private equity investors, portfolio company leaders and professionals considering their next move, the report combines remuneration benchmarks with practical guidance on roles and team structures. Download the full report to explore the findings and Finatal’s perspective on defining responsibilities, building teams and assessing business impact.

This report provides a UK baseline. Compensation figures are expressed in pounds sterling, with salary and target bonus averages estimated from the ranges respondents selected.