Synopsis: A WalkWater Talent Advisors report reveals a surge in hiring Chief Digital and Information Officers (CDIOs), with one in three companies recently creating the position. The study of 310 CDIO profiles shows industrial companies lead adoption at 40%, followed by pharma and consumer sectors.
Chief digital and information officer (CDIO) are growing in importance, with one in every three companies recently hiring for or creating a CDIO position, a talent report by executive search firm WalkWater Talent Advisors has found.
The analysis, drawn from a study encompassing 310 CIO/CDIO profiles across 272 companies, reveals the role of CDIOs in driving digital transformation across industries and the key trends that are driving this hiring.
Across industries, the adoption of CDIOs varies, with industrial companies leading the charge at 40% among the companies surveyed, followed closely by pharma and consumer sectors.
“Today, CDIOs play a crucial role as organizations navigate through rapid technological changes. They empower teams to drive change, bridging the gap between business goals and technology capabilities,” Rahul Shah, Co-Founder and Director – WalkWater Talent Advisors said in a statement. “Our study highlights the demand for CDIOs with global experience and diverse educational backgrounds, showing their vital role in shaping forward looking, tech savvy organizations. As businesses evolve, CDIOs lead with innovation, foster growth, and guide the digital transformation journey with strong, decisive leadership.”
Gender diversity remains a challenge in CDIO roles, with women comprising only 17% of the CDIO talent pool, slightly higher than their representation among CIOs at 22%, found the study.
80% of CDIOs are Engineers and a vast majority of them hold full time master’s degrees, with a significant preference for MBAs (67%) and technical master’s degrees (33%). This educational mix underscores the critical blend of technology acumen and business strategy necessary for the role.
Unlike traditional CIOs, 37% of CDIOs bring prior experience in business or management consulting, highlighting a strategic shift in hiring preferences towards leaders who can blend technical expertise with a deep understanding of business dynamics.
More than half of CDIOs have global experience, reflecting the global nature of digital transformations and the need for leaders with diverse international perspectives.
The demand for CDIO talent has led to significant job movements, with 64% of CDIOs changing jobs in the last three years, driven by high demand and competitive dynamics in the market.
Shalini Jain, Partner – Consumer Practice, WalkWater Talent Advisors said: “CDIOs are the driving force behind transformative leadership in today’s digital era. Our research highlights their crucial role in shaping forward thinking strategies that break old moulds. They empower teams to innovate and prioritize cybersecurity. By guiding senior leaders, they reshape organizations to thrive in times of change, fostering resilience and growth.”
Source: The Economic Times