The CIO role as we know it is dead. Here’s why.

Our latest blog is in memoriam of the CIO role. Chief Information (or Infrastructure) Officers since the late 1980s have been expected to oversee all things IT. From resources to staff, security, compliance, general technology and everything in between, they were once revered as technical geniuses, working diligently in a centralised organisation and managing infrastructure, hardware, software, data intelligence and applications. But times have changed.

Businesses have adapted beyond quarterly reports full of breaches, updates, and upgrades. Managers don’t want CIOs giving away money (and decision-making responsibilities) to vendors who then gain control. CIOs need to create value and streamline operations so that technology can transform business processes and models. The sad truth is that many people in this role are set up to fail: in the current climate, they need to deliver beyond technology implementation. Their past responsibilities pale in comparison to the extensive remit expected of one person. Businesses want specialists in each area.

Modern CIOs possess an undeniable understanding of their sector. If you’re a CIO, you should be doing all you can to avoid being overlooked for others who are experts in emerging digital technologies. You want to keep up. The way businesses run has changed, and your CIO role needs to adapt. It’s long overdue: people-centred change is becoming far more prevalent in business, and the CIO needs to move beyond just tech.

Chief Information (or Infrastructure) Officers need to be doing everything in their power to ensure that embracing technology is a top priority for their company. We would expect to see them showcasing that they no longer only deal with IT as they’re becoming leaders at the forefront of digital transformation. They anticipate, rather than just meet, the needs of a business. This means pivoting into a more strategic position as it’s clear that the pandemic has accelerated technology changes. That said, the death of the old CIO role shouldn’t be mourned.

Future CIOs and those who adapt will play their part in discovering competitive advantage. They’ll meet the higher expectations of IT and highlight business benefits and customer engagement. Other roles such as CDI, Head of Data and CTO can, and have, taken over. To remain a CIO means to embrace a broader definition of the role.

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