IT and CIO roles are much more vital to delivering value and driving revenue generating initiatives, as well as redefining the customer and employee experience in a virtual world.

The shift in the CIO’s role needs to be reflected by changes in organisational structure to IT teams, as those that focus on changing customer needs are more important than ever before. IT personnel need to work more closely with the front liners who understand customer expectations inside and out, as IT culture and mindset should be tailored to business outcomes such as:

  • Minimising customer turnover

  • Increasing retention

  • Driving revenue

  • Improving customer and employee experience

With these shifting priorities for CIOs and IT teams alike, a corresponding shift in structure is the best route to support continued business success and greater efficiency.

The role of IT and the CIO in leading digital transformation initiatives

Digital transformation can result in the lines between technology and business blurring, causing CIOs to take on a more strategic role to identify new areas of growth and play a key role in driving profitability. CIOs are expected to lead business and digital transformation initiatives and according to study by Digital Realty:

  • 67% of CIOs say that new revenue-generating initiatives are among their job responsibilities

  • 44% of CIOs are prioritising efforts to align IT initiatives with business goals

  • 34% are leading change efforts across their organisation

  • 22% are assisting in the creation of new go-to-market strategies and technologies

It is clear that CIOs will need to play an integral part in helping organisations navigate the complex and fast-evolving digital landscape, as they become agents of change.

The modern IT department structure

As CIOs drive digital transformation, many are restructuring their IT organisations to respond to shifting business needs. There is pressure on IT leaders to adapt their IT teams to reflect a greater emphasis on:

Customer centricity

Getting the user experience right is a critical part of business transformation, as customers increasingly demand the same kind of experience in a professional environment that they have with technology in their personal lives.

Security

It is essential that progressive businesses successfully implement a security strategy, particularly as we look to the future of the office where the move to hybrid-models of working are looking like they are here to stay.

Innovation

In a digital age, technology is driving innovation and CIOs will be expected to bush boundaries and maintain a forward-thinking mindset. Emerging technology provides endless opportunities to create new operational models, for both employees and customers alike.

Business strategy

To drive successful digital transformation, CIOs will be required to surround themselves with both business and technology partners that understand the broader business objectives and work together to achieve these goals.

Implementing new software

To keep up to date with the latest innovate technology and our ever-evolving digital landscape, CIOs will need to ensure they adapt their organisation accordingly. This means upgrading software to ensure they continue to add value and seamlessly implementing changes within the wider organisation.

Employee satisfaction

IT will play a key role in helping employees be more effective, especially when dealing with a remote workforce that may never fully return to the office. Employees are looking for new ways to drive productivity, with digital technology playing a pivotal role in automating processes, driving efficiencies and performance.

Successful CIOs know that productive IT teams start with talented individuals that can collaborate effectively to drive digital transformation and results.

Our global talent consultancy at DMCG Global helps to quickly connect organisations and brands with the best IT professionals anywhere on the planet. If you are looking to drive transformative change in your business and would like a bespoke, high-quality recruitment service, our expert consultants will be happy to help. Get in touch below to find out more.