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 9 of the series where the findings of whether CIOs would move to a new role that was not on The Board are revealed.
Report on Whether CIOs Would Move to a New Role That Was Not on the Board
Overview
This report examines the responses to the question, "Would you move to a new role that was not on The Board?" from a group of Chief Information Officers (CIOs). Out of the respondents, 75% of CIOs indicated they would consider moving to a new role even if it was not on The Board, while 25% would decline such an opportunity if it did not include a Board position.
Key Findings
Willingness to Move Without a Board Position
A clear majority of CIOs expressed that they would be open to moving to a new role that was not on The Board. This response suggests that while Board membership is seen as valuable, it is not necessarily a deal-breaker when considering career opportunities. Many CIOs appear to value other factors in a role, such as growth potential, organisational influence, and the ability to drive business change, over formal Board membership.
Board Membership Not Always Critical for Career Moves
For many CIOs, the opportunity to take on new challenges or work in an organisation with a dynamic IT agenda outweighs the need for a formal seat on The Board. Factors such as:
Strategic Involvement: Some CIOs may find that they can exert influence and drive change even without formal Board membership, provided they still have a strong voice in executive-level decisions.
Organisational Fit: CIOs may prioritise finding roles that match their professional goals and values over the need for Board membership. If the company culture, leadership, and vision align with their aspirations, the absence of a Board seat may be less of a concern.
Career Development: Many CIOs are open to roles that offer significant growth opportunities or a chance to work on large-scale digital transformation projects, even if they do not come with Board membership.
The Importance of Board-Level Representation for Some
Although the majority would accept a non-board role, 25% of respondents indicated that they would not move to a role without a Board position. These CIOs see Board membership as a critical factor in ensuring they have sufficient influence and authority within the organisation. For these CIOs, having a seat on The Board is seen as essential for several reasons:
Strategic Impact: Being on The Board allows CIOs to contribute directly to the organisation’s strategic direction and ensures that technology is given the necessary focus in high-level decision-making.
Visibility and Authority: Board membership offers higher visibility across the organisation, giving CIOs more authority to champion IT initiatives and influence cross-functional leadership teams.
Role Significance: Some CIOs feel that not having a Board seat could limit their ability to fully participate in the strategic decision-making process, which could ultimately hinder their ability to make a significant impact.
Factors Influencing Willingness to Move Without a Board Role
For many CIOs, the decision to move to a role without a board position depends on a range of factors:
Reporting Lines: CIOs who report directly to the CEO or have strong access to senior leadership may feel they can still exert influence even if they are not officially on the board.
Company Structure: Organisations that prioritise digital transformation and technology innovation often value CIOs as strategic partners. In such cases, even without a Board seat, CIOs may still have significant influence over key decisions.
Leadership Dynamics: If a CIO has a trusted relationship with senior leadership, especially the CEO, the lack of a formal Board seat may not impact their ability to drive change and influence strategic discussions.
Evolving Role of the CIO
The mixed responses reflect the evolving nature of the CIO role. While some still consider Board membership essential for ensuring the importance of technology is recognised at the highest levels, others acknowledge that influence and impact can be achieved through various channels, even without formal Board inclusion. As technology becomes more integrated into business operations, many CIOs are finding ways to demonstrate their value beyond the boardroom.
Conclusion
1 in 4 CIOs will discount a new role if it is not on The Board, a critical factor for organisations to consider in the battle for talent at this level.
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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