Welcome to the first edition of Eton Bridge Partners’ Chief Information Officer (CIO) Pathways report.

Building on the success of our previous Pathways series, which explored the evolving roles of CFOs, CEOs, and Chief People Officers, this report delves into the dynamic and increasingly critical world of CIOs.

CIOs in the spotlight

As technology becomes central to every business strategy, the role of CIOs has never been more vital. CIOs are no longer just technology managers; they are key drivers of business innovation, growth, and competitive edge. Their presence at the leadership table is crucial for companies to leverage opportunities brought by AI and other digital advancements, and to navigate the challenges of market disruptions.

Agile, strategic, and commercially-minded CIOs are essential for driving innovation and growth, but the role is evolving, requiring a balance between strategic business goals and immediate tactical needs, while addressing economic and geopolitical challenges. Achieving a CIO position demands thoughtful career planning, and organisations must carefully consider the creation of this role within their leadership teams. According to research from Deloitte (Innovation Study) “80% of business executives consider the CIO to be the primary stakeholder in driving innovation.”

Our report offers valuable insights for two main audiences:

• Aspiring Chief Information Officers seeking to shape their career paths.
• Companies aiming to hire or develop a pipeline of CIOs for future leadership needs.

Our report addresses the following key questions, and highlights critical findings that are shaping the CIO landscape in the UK:

The rise of first-time CIOs:

• What factors are contributing to the rise of first-time CIO appointments?
• How are companies benefiting from hiring first-time CIOs, and what skills are most sought after in these candidates?

External appointments prevail:

• Why are over two-thirds of CIO appointments coming from external candidates, and how does this compare with hiring trends for other c-suite roles?
• What advantages do external CIO hires bring to organisations that make them more appealing compared to internal promotions?

Gender disparity remains:

• What steps can organisations take to increase the number of female candidates in the CIO pipeline?
• How does the gender disparity in CIO appointments compare to other c-suite roles, and what does this mean for diversity in technology leadership?

Age and experience:

• What does the average age for newly appointed CIOs suggest about the experience and career trajectory required for this role?
• How does the typical professional journey to a CIO role compare to that of other c-suite positions, such as a CEO?

Sector specific insights:

• How does the concentration of CIO roles in each sector reflect the broader economic landscape of the UK?
• What implications does this have for CIO candidates looking to enter or advance in these industries?

Private Equity influence:

• What role does Private Equity play in shaping the CIO hiring landscape?
• How do CIOs without prior PE experience succeed in these roles, and what skills make them attractive to PE-backed companies?
• What does the significant presence of CIO appointments in PE-backed firms suggest about the evolving role of technology leadership in value creation?

The CIO role continues to evolve, demanding a balance between strategic vision and tactical execution amidst economic and geopolitical uncertainties. For aspiring CIOs, this report guides the skills and experiences that can pave the way to a successful appointment. For companies, it highlights the evolving expectations and profiles of effective CIOs, emphasising the importance of strategic, commercially-minded leadership that can navigate both technologic and business challenges.

Based on hard facts and quantitative data and analysis, this report provides meaningful and practical insights. Whether you are looking to gain your first CIO position, are looking to find one, or are already experienced in the role, this report can support you and your organisation in making informed choices when developing your senior leadership teams. We are confident that this report will be a valuable resource for decision-making and will help in the pathway to becoming a CIO.

We invite you to explore the full findings and connect with us to discuss how we can support your journey in the CIO market.

Download your copy of the CIO Pathways report here.