Deciding Whether Digital Leadership Requires a CIO or CDO, or Both

Authors

Julie Saesen
Bastian Kindermann
Constantin Schubert
Steffen Strese

Abstract

As digital technologies transform businesses and industries, organizations need to decide whether to appoint a CIO or a chief digital officer (CDO) as a single leader or adopt a dual CIO/CDO leadership model. Is a CDO necessary, and if so, what is the reporting relationship? How does the CDO role differ from the CIO role? Should digital leadership remain with the CIO, or should it solely be the responsibility of a CDO? Based on interviews with senior digital leaders, we explore these questions and offer recommendations.

Recommended Citation

Saesen, Julie; Kindermann, Bastian; Schubert, Constantin; and Strese, Steffen (2026) "Deciding Whether Digital Leadership Requires a CIO or CDO, or Both," MIS Quarterly Executive: Vol. 25: Iss. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/misqe/vol25/iss1/6