The Tale Of The Chief Digital Officer Is Still Being Written
Forrester, Friday, May 5,2023
New executive roles have historically emerged from macro shifts. For example, chief financial officers appeared in the 1960s as a response to the rising trend of conglomerates requiring complex bookkeeping to meet financial regulations; chief sustainability officers arose in response to decarbonization efforts. Chief digital officers (CDOs) are no exception.
As digital became vital to business growth, organizations needed a guide to navigate these unknown waters. Even in an economic downturn, companies are increasing spending on digital initiatives and emerging technologies. But who are these executives with wide responsibilities that span driving digital transformation, fostering digital culture, and optimizing digital channels and touchpoints?
The European consumer uses on average five channels (e.g., browser, app) and four devices (e.g., smartphone, smart speaker). This means that being where your customers are has tilted from involving the physical touchpoints to devices, channels, and platforms - and the CDO is the manager of this new experience portfolio.