That's a fair point.

If we're defining "technical" as having a deep understanding of where technology is headed, and what its implications on various markets will be, then yes, being technical seems to convey a pretty distinct advantage in the C-suite. Conversely, lacking such an understanding dooms your company's fate to chance. You could get lucky and avoid disruption, or stumble into evolution. But, just as likely, you could miss major upside or fall into major downside. In this sense, to be technical is to have the ability to steer your own ship (for better or for worse). Not to be technical is to allow the currents to carry you where they may (often for worse).