Why a Strong CEO/CIO Relationship Is Essential for Digital Transformation
In its look at the top 10 strategic technology trends for 2019, Gartner underscored the accelerating pace of innovation and the sweeping impact of technologies like AI, autonomous systems, immersive experiences, and augmented analytics. These innovations are reshaping not only how companies operate, but also how they grow.
To thrive in this era of transformation, the CEO/CIO relationship must evolve. Once viewed as operating in separate domains, CEOs and CIOs now must act as strategic partners—aligning business goals with technological capabilities to create a real competitive advantage.
The Traditional CEO/CIO Relationship
Historically, the roles of CEO and CIO have followed very different paths.
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CEOs, especially outside of the tech sector, typically rise through business operations or revenue-generating roles. They focus on high-level strategy, brand vision, financial outcomes, and external messaging.
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CIOs, on the other hand, have traditionally been seen as back-office technologists—responsible for maintaining IT infrastructure, managing systems, and ensuring security.
In many organizations, the CIO reported to the CFO or COO, not the CEO. This created a gap—both in communication and influence—that made it difficult for CIOs to contribute to broader strategic conversations.
But that paradigm is rapidly changing.
What’s Different Today About the CEO/CIO Relationship?
In today’s digital-first landscape, technology is no longer just a support function—it’s a strategic driver. From revenue growth and customer engagement to operational efficiency and market differentiation, technology underpins every part of the business.
This evolution has reshaped the role of the CIO into a business strategist, not just a systems manager. And as a result, the CEO/CIO relationship must become collaborative, transparent, and forward-looking.
“As CEOs increasingly turn their attention to digital innovation as a top priority, they are counting on CIOs to drive it,” noted a recent industry article. “The IT leaders they used to frown at in budget meetings are now considered strategic business partners.”
How to Strengthen the CEO/CIO Relationship
To unlock the full potential of digital transformation, CEOs and CIOs must commit to a new kind of partnership—one built on communication, trust, and a shared vision for the future.
1. Improve Cross-Functional Communication
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CEOs must deepen their understanding of how technology impacts the bottom line.
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CIOs must speak the language of business outcomes, not just technical specs.
A common framework for goals, KPIs, and success metrics helps ensure alignment.
2. Bring CIOs Into Strategic Planning
In high-performing organizations, CIOs are no longer “order takers”—they’re involved from the outset in planning major initiatives. This enables smarter tech investments, faster execution, and better risk management.
The 2017 Harvey Nash/KPMG survey showed that 62% of CIOs were part of the executive committee, up from just 38% in 2005. The 2018 report found that CIOs in digital-first companies were significantly more influential in shaping enterprise-wide strategy.
3. Focus on Business Outcomes, Not Just Tools
CIOs must frame digital opportunities around revenue growth, customer experience, and competitive advantage, rather than the latest platforms or technologies. CEOs should encourage this shift by rewarding innovation and cross-departmental collaboration.
4. Reinforce the CIO’s Role as a Leader
Invite CIOs into boardroom discussions, involve them in M&A planning, and recognize their contributions to business success, not just system uptime. This signals to the organization that technology is central to business leadership.
What If You Don’t Have a CIO?
For many small and medium-sized businesses, hiring a full-time CIO isn’t practical. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore the benefits of strategic IT leadership.
Enter the virtual CIO (vCIO).
By partnering with a managed IT services provider, businesses can gain access to:
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IT assessments and consulting
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Technology budgeting and planning
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Cybersecurity strategy
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Digital transformation roadmaps
A vCIO works alongside the CEO and leadership team to align IT initiatives with business goals, just like an internal CIO would.
Final Thoughts: Build a CEO/CIO Relationship That Drives Growth
A strong CEO/CIO relationship is no longer optional—it’s essential for growth, innovation, and long-term success. Organizations that embrace this partnership will be better positioned to navigate change, seize opportunity, and lead in a digital economy.
Whether your CIO is in-house or virtual, their input belongs in every major business conversation. The future of your business depends on it.
Charles Lobert, has been in the Detroit Metro Area’s IT industry for over two decades & with VCS since ’04. Throughout the years, Lobert has held nearly every position at VCS & is responsible for several major organizational shifts within VCS.