Jeff Roberts

London

Director of IT

I don't think there is one model of CIO that works for all types of organisations. What is required of a CIO depends a lot on the nature of the business and the culture of the particular organisation they are in.

However, I think a CIO must be experienced in IT so the board (etc) is confident they know what they are talking about. I don't see many boards appointing a CFO that doesn't come from an accounting or finance background, a COO that doesn't understand the way their particular business works or a commercial director who isn't experienced in their business sector. They wouldn't last long.

Any CxO needs to understand both the business they are in and his/her field.