Cruising with the Techies

A few weeks ago I was one of the ‘cabaret acts’ on the IT Director Forum boat. On board were circa 300 CIOs, suppliers and speakers / workshop facilitators such as myself. My focus was in providing guidance on how CIOs can lead IT into the boardroom. The theme proved popular with the many delegates attending my sessions.

There was general agreement that both the CIO and IT function as we know them will change. As technology becomes commoditised and pushed further down the supply chain to the ‘utility’ providers, CIOs have to work out what their new role will be.

The emerging thoughts were that the CIO needs to morph into the Chief Process Officer or even Chief Change Officer. Whilst I agree with these perspectives, my view is more ambitious. I think the CIO should prepare themselves to become the Chief Executive Officer.

Let me know if you would like to receive a copy of my slides.