Are CIOs Buckling Under The Weight Of Expectation To Deliver Business Value?
CIO, Wednesday, May 28th, 2025
Digital leaders are taking on increased responsibilities for areas beyond the IT department. While the business wants more from CIOs, some technology chiefs accept the expectation to deliver value as an opportunity to shine. Others, however, will sink.
Modern CIOs are expected to contribute to areas that stretch far beyond the confines of the traditional IT organization. The board might have previously looked to other executives for the lead on strategy, value, and commercial growth, but modern CIOs must step up and take responsibility for areas once assumed by other business leaders.
In fact, Gartner's 2024 CIO Agenda survey highlights how 80% of CIOs have expanded their role, with 18% leading non-IT functions. Markus Schummelfeder, global CIO at biopharmaceutical giant Boehringer Ingelheim, says there's no question the modern digital leader must cover a wider remit. 'The world is asking a lot from CIOs,' he says. 'You need to have a broad portfolio of skills to do your job well.'