The Chief Information Officer owns the technology systems and information that keep a business running. Here is what the role does, and how it differs from a CTO.
What the role owns
A Chief Information Officer (CIO) owns the internal technology backbone of a business — the systems, platforms, data, infrastructure, and information security that the organisation depends on to operate. This includes the enterprise systems that run finance, operations, and people, the data infrastructure, and the cybersecurity that protects the business. The CIO ensures the business's technology works, is secure, and enables the organisation to function and scale.
CIO versus CTO
The distinction, where both exist, is broadly internal versus product-facing. A CTO often owns the technology in the product or customer experience; a CIO owns the technology that runs the business internally. In many consumer businesses one leader covers both; in larger or more technical ones they are distinct. As with overlapping roles, the specific split must be defined.
From back office to business enabler
The CIO role has evolved from a back-office, keep-the-systems-running function into a more strategic one. Modern CIOs enable the business — improving how it operates through technology, unlocking value from data, and managing the growing risks of security and resilience. The strongest connect technology decisions to business outcomes rather than treating IT as a cost to be managed.
What it means for hiring
Define whether the priority is running and modernising core systems, driving digital transformation internally, strengthening data and security, or enabling scale — different emphases call for different leaders. Match the CIO to the specific technology challenge the business faces.
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Explore Digital & Technology Search →Frequently asked questions
What does a Chief Information Officer do?
They own a business's internal technology and information systems — the platforms, data, infrastructure, and security the organisation runs on — ensuring it works, is secure, and enables the business to operate and scale.
What is the difference between a CIO and a CTO?
Broadly, a CIO owns the technology that runs the business internally, while a CTO owns technology in the product or customer experience. In many businesses one leader covers both; in larger ones they're distinct.
Related: What Does a Chief Technology Officer Do? · What Does a Chief Digital Officer Do? · How to Hire a Chief Digital Officer
