With digital transformation a top priority for organizations today, there is often ambiguity on whether the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) or Chief Information Officer (CIO) should take charge of digital strategy and execution. Here are some guidelines:
1. The CMO is typically best equipped to lead digital efforts related to acquiring and engaging customers including digital marketing, social media, customer experience optimization.
2. The CIO is best positioned to spearhead backend digital technology implementation like migrating systems to the cloud, building APIs, and ensuring cybersecurity.
3. For internal facing digital workplace tools, the CIO usually takes the lead as this impacts technology infrastructure.
4. For customer-facing technologies like mobile apps and IoT, there needs to be tight alignment between CMO and CIO.
5. On digital transformation strategy, it is ideal for the CMO and CIO to collaborate, bringing together business context and tech know-how.
6. The CMO should focus on the "what" defining digital objectives, success metrics, customer insights needed.
7. The CIO should tackle the "how" outlining the technology, resources, approach required to execute.
8. Regular communication between the two leaders is imperative for setting priorities and delivering digital results.
While there may be grey areas, the CMO and CIO working hand-in-hand, complementing each other's strengths, can enable digital success.
1. The CMO is typically best equipped to lead digital efforts related to acquiring and engaging customers including digital marketing, social media, customer experience optimization.
2. The CIO is best positioned to spearhead backend digital technology implementation like migrating systems to the cloud, building APIs, and ensuring cybersecurity.
3. For internal facing digital workplace tools, the CIO usually takes the lead as this impacts technology infrastructure.
4. For customer-facing technologies like mobile apps and IoT, there needs to be tight alignment between CMO and CIO.
5. On digital transformation strategy, it is ideal for the CMO and CIO to collaborate, bringing together business context and tech know-how.
6. The CMO should focus on the "what" defining digital objectives, success metrics, customer insights needed.
7. The CIO should tackle the "how" outlining the technology, resources, approach required to execute.
8. Regular communication between the two leaders is imperative for setting priorities and delivering digital results.
While there may be grey areas, the CMO and CIO working hand-in-hand, complementing each other's strengths, can enable digital success.
