During Q3 of 2024, Piccadilly One conducted a survey where we asked for feedback on the reporting lines of CIOs based in the UK. Over the coming weeks our Director, Simon Elkinson dissects the findings. Here is Part 7 of the series where the findings of CIOs' experience of serving on The Board are revealed.
Report on CIOs' Experience of Serving on The Board
Overview
The question "Have you ever been on The Board?" was posed to CIOs to gauge their level of executive experience and involvement in board-level decision-making processes. Out of the responses, CIOs (61%) indicated that they had served on a Board, while CIOs (39%) stated that they had not.
Key Findings
Majority Experience with Board Membership
A significant portion of the respondents (61%) have served on a Board, indicating that many CIOs are recognised for their strategic importance in shaping organisational direction. This reflects an increasing trend of technology leaders being involved in top-level decision-making, especially as digital transformation becomes a key component of many organisations' growth strategies.
Substantial Minority Without Board Experience
Despite the majority having board experience, a notable 39% of the respondents have never served on The Board. This could be due to a variety of factors such as company size, the role of IT within the organization, or the evolving nature of the CIO position. In some companies, IT may still be seen as an operational rather than strategic function, limiting the CIO's exposure to board-level responsibilities.
Board Participation and Organisational Maturity
The high number of CIOs with Board experience suggests that in many organisations, IT and digital functions are recognised as critical to the overall strategy. Companies with a strong focus on digital transformation, cybersecurity, or technology innovation may be more likely to have their CIOs on The Board. Conversely, CIOs in more operational or cost-focused businesses may not have the same level of Board involvement.
Evolving Role of CIOs
The data highlights the evolving role of CIOs from purely technical managers to key players in shaping organisational strategy. Board membership implies a broader influence over business decisions beyond IT, including matters such as risk management, innovation, and competitive positioning. CIOs who sit on Boards are likely involved in discussions about digital transformation, data security, and how technology can drive business growth.
Opportunity for Broader CIO Representation
With 39% of respondents not having served on a Board, there is a clear opportunity for companies to further elevate their CIOs into these strategic roles. As technology continues to play a pivotal role in every industry, CIOs bring a unique perspective that is critical for future-proofing businesses in an increasingly digital world.
Conclusion
The findings from the question on Board membership reveal a positive trend toward greater involvement of CIOs in Board-level decisions, with 61% having served in such a capacity. This underscores the growing recognition of IT and digital transformation as essential components of business strategy. However, with 39% of CIOs lacking board experience, there is still room for further integration of IT leadership into the upper echelons of corporate governance, particularly in organisations where technology is not yet viewed as a strategic differentiator.
By elevating more CIOs to Board positions, organisations can ensure that technology-driven initiatives receive the attention and investment they require to keep pace with the rapidly changing business landscape. Organisations can also use this situation to their advantage by offering an opportunity to sit on their Board when in the market for a new IT leader.
Piccadilly One helps organisations hire CIOs. We Put People Above Technology placing the number one technology position within an organisation and that person's direct reports.
To discuss your next CIO hire or, if you're a CIO, your next direct report hire, contact our Director and Founder Simon Elkinson
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