Will the CIO role survive?

It takes a sad heart to write this, but I am getting the distinct feeling that the CIO role as we currently know it is at risk for some organisations. The trend is to place business executives with some IT knowledge in charge of the IT team and call it some merged business title.

To the left of me and to the right of me I am seeing businesses removing the role of CIO. 5 major Australian roles gone in the last couple of months and it made me contemplate.... why?

Technology today has become the focal point to the future success of every business/public service. That is an important statement which no one can deny. It is more important than ever, so why are the roles being removed?

Most CEO's are extremely savvy individuals and can see this social/digital change happening. They also have had their 'A' team in place for many years who are their 'go to' team to execute strategy.

My question to you is: 'Are you on that A team' or are you just the IT girl/guy?"

The CEO now needs their A team to be in control of the IT team, otherwise they can't get what they want executed in the time frame they want. Unfortunately now, every strategic initiative requires IT components.

You need to be on the 'A team'!

The second question is:
"Is this just a transitionary phase?"

My answer is YES. Putting business teams in charge of IT and lowering the highest level of IT knowledge down to a non strategic role can only be temporary. How can you properly define strategy over areas you have no knowledge. I expect this will be a temporary strategic mistake, but one easy to make.

So if you are a super technical CIO who lives for looking after servers, I would be concerned about your future reporting line and title. For those of you CIO's who have already started migrating into the business, that trend will continue!

Have a great week!


Ross.