The digital transformation is well underway, and one important realization is clear: Those who cannot keep pace will not survive in the competition.
Consequently, many positions within companies are also changing, including the role of the Chief Information Officer (CIO).
The traditional role of a CIO mainly involved driving digital initiatives and innovations within companies. The responsibility often lies in developing and implementing technology strategies. However, close collaboration with other business areas was rarely observed in this process. This often led to silo structures within the company, as not every area was integrated into the digital transformation process in the same way.
Currently, there is a significant shift in this area, as indicated by a recent market survey conducted by Gartner, in which over 2,400 current CIOs participated. 45% of these CIOs actively aim to jointly lead digital initiatives in their organizations. This trend signals a clear departure from the traditional role of the CIO, which was previously mainly technology-oriented and isolated from other business areas.
Today, they see themselves less as technology experts and more as strategic partners of other executives within the company.
"The new CIOs" recognise the importance of cooperative leadership, where responsibility for digital initiatives is shared jointly, and closer collaboration between different business areas is encouraged. In this new model, CIOs work closely with other executives to ensure that digital technologies and strategies permeate and support the entire organisation. This can help break down silos, foster a customer-centric culture, and improve the company's agility.
These new shifts in responsibilities are viewed positively, as "today's CIO has ambitions that go far beyond IT provisioning," as Bishop said. Over 40% of CIOs aim to expand their scope of responsibilities and enhance them through additional leadership skills.
Based on the findings, Gartner identified three different models, one of which appears particularly promising:
- 55% aspire to the role of "Operator," in which they, as CIOs, take responsibility for provisioning new technologies and collaborate cross-functionally with other CxOs for this purpose.
- 33% adopt the role of "Explorer," involving employees from other areas in the decision-making process for digital matters.
- 12% see themselves as "Franchisers," leading and supervising digital initiatives jointly with other CxOs, with the responsibility no longer solely resting with the CIO.
Notably, 63% of digital initiatives across the entire organisation are particularly successful when CIOs adopt a franchise model. In contrast, only 43% of digital initiatives achieve their goals when CIOs remain in the traditional "Operator" model.
In summary, the role of the "CIO of the future" will primarily encompass the following areas:
- The CIO will serve as a strategic partner for other CxOs within the organisation to drive holistic digital transformation, prevent silo formations, and improve communication between departments.
- The introduction of digital initiatives will require a less direct approach and more of a cooperative and agile leadership role to ensure collaboration across departmental boundaries, thus permeating and supporting the entire organisation.
- The CIO will also play a key role in driving digital innovations, including gaining a better understanding of strategic decisions through increased data utilisation and analysis. An example in the marketing realm would be data-driven customer insights to provide tailored solutions that meet their needs and enhance experiences.
- Another important area of responsibility is change management. Employees must be guided and supported through digital transformation to ensure their acceptance of it.
Sources: Foundry (2024), Gartner (2023), Workday (2021)
