[sundaeofshock]

What you are talking about is a cost/benefit analysis, which does not require knowledge of programming.

You are also making an assumption that tasks are not being automated because business people do not how to write a line of python/ruby/Java/whatever. Maybe they have limited funds and they are focusing their expenditures in revenue generating work. Maybe the RoI is far in the future that it does not make sense. Maybe they need to be able to change formulas on a moment's notice, so they don't want to be beholden to a developer.

A CEO needs an understanding of their business and a high-level understanding that computers are capable of automating tasks. If coding skills are needed, the CEO can hire a CTO in the same way they hire a CFO to provide accounting skills.