At present, the role of the Chief Information Offer (CIO) has acquired a strategic importance, but has also become one of the most volatile positions within organizations. A recent liceotic study reveals that the average permanence of a CIO in its position is only 4.5 years, which shows great pressure and high expectations surrounding these professionals.
The report highlights that only 30% of the CIOS reaches the retirement age maintaining their position. This data reflects an uncomfortable reality: technological leadership within companies is subject to constant rotation. In highly innovative sectors, such as technology and telecommunications, permanence time is even shorter, due to the need for rapid adaptation to new trends and pressure to offer competitive solutions.
In contrast, sectors such as financial or energy offer greater stability to Cios, since digital transformation projects require a long -term vision and continuity in leadership becomes a key factor for the success of technological initiatives.
«The ‘A cxo’ report reflects an uncomfortable truth: being CIO is one of the most demanding and higher wear within the C-Suite. If the Cios do not expand their strategic and business vision, they run the risk of being out of key decisions and limiting their professional growth options. From Liceototic, our commitment is to help you break that crystal ceiling and prepare to occupy maximum relevance positions in their organizations. ”Says Jordi Damià, CEO of Liceototic.
Age, a determining factor for the CIO
One of the most revealing aspects of the study is how age impacts the work opportunities of the cios. Statistics indicate that:
- At 50, only one in ten cios manages to obtain a new leadership position in technology.
- At 55, the possibility of being hired in a similar position decreases to 1 between 18.
- At 60, opportunities are drastically reduced to 1 between 40.
Only 3 out of 10 cio s are part of the Executive Committee
These data reflect a worrying trend in the labor market, where younger profiles are prioritized under the perception that they have greater capacity to adapt to technological changes. However, in more traditional sectors, senior experience and strategic capacity are still valued.
THE ROAD TO THE GENERAL DIRECTORATE
Despite the challenges, many Chief Information Offer have found opportunities to evolve within companies, assuming roles such as CEO or being part of the Administration Councils. However, the study reveals that only 30% of the CIOS is part of the Executive Committee of their organizations, which limits its influence on strategic decision making.
For those who seek to advance their career towards positions of greater responsibility, the report identifies a series of essential skills:
- Development of a business vision beyond technology.
- Leadership capacity and organizational change management.
- Adoption of a mentality oriented to business value.
- Deepening the knowledge of the sector in which they operate.
- Creation of contact networks at the managerial level.
- Impact demonstration in the company’s financial results.
Training and specialization, keys to the future
The report also highlights the importance of continuous training so that CIOS can access strategic roles within organizations. Executive education programs, such as MBAS or courses specialized in business management, as well as the experience in budgeting and profitability management, are determining factors for a CIO to consolidate in senior management.
In a world where technology is the engine of change, the role of CIO is essential for business competitiveness. However, to guarantee their permanence and evolution within the organization, these professionals must expand their focus beyond technology and consolidate as strategic leaders capable of guiding their companies in an increasingly dynamic and digital environment.
