Understanding the Common CTO Personas and their Roles in Organisations

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is one of the broadest and most difficult C-level positions pursuing various IT departments and handling innovation in a digitally growing world. The role has different contexts and responsibilities according to the organizations’ structure, and the role keeps on evolving as technology progresses by leaps and bounds. Enterprises identify distinct CTO personas to help marketers and stakeholders understand the consumer persona at a deeper level.

The business stakeholders can actualize the full potential of a chief technology officer when the length and breadth of the roles are understood through the below four CTO personas. The responsibilities range from simplifying and managing IT operations to identifying emerging trends in technology and being an innovation frontrunner for the organization.

No set of responsibilities fit all positions, and the role of CTO is quite progressive in the era of digital transformation. Once you have identified the perfect persona for your organization, you can shape and evolve your business digitally.

Digital Business Leader

The business-driven chief technology officer is one of the most senior positions in an organization’s technology department. This position is generally opted by people who have experience in technology, market disruptions, in sectors like Telecom, Banking, Retail, Technology, and Media. This position has a broad scope and requires knowledge of various technology stacks, deep understanding of vision and mission of the company, and keeping a bird’s eye view on the technology trends.

The chief business-led innovation officer focuses on transforming the organization’s business model through technology-driven products and services. This CTO persona seeks business functions that can be equipped with technology to enhance productivity in the organization. The responsibilities include:

Identifying roadmap for technology-led business models and partnership
Transforming business units with technology capabilities, planning and optimizing Enterprise Architecture
Playing the primary role in decision-making for innovation-driven strategies and investments
Acting as a synergy between business units and technology departments

Chief Technology Innovation Officer

The Chief Technology Innovation Officer is a position that reports to the CEO and CIO. This visionary persona leads software, enterprise architects, innovation-led managers, and IT specialists. They execute multiple technology-based solutions within the organization, which transforms business productivity, leading to enhanced revenue. This role requires governance and risk-appetite on behalf of the company. The responsibilities include:

Being the single point of contact for technology-led innovations
Prototyping and piloting various new technologies and platforms within the organization
Closely working with the Chief Information Officer to understand security parameters and enhancements
Introducing new information and operational technology within the organization
Acting as a thought leader for senior executives and guiding them through business strategy
Monitoring Data and Analytics, and providing insights and actions to the team
Modernizing infrastructure with cloud computing within the organization
Planning automation and RPA activities for enhanced productivity
Vendor Management

Business Enabler CTO

The business enabler led CTO leads the organization’s business model, services, and product strategy. This role has a deep understanding of how technology works, has multiple years of experience working in technology-based companies and is well acquainted with new and transforming technologies. This position’s responsibilities include:

Partnering with stakeholders and CIO’s to create a roadmap and understand the organization’s business capabilities
Strategic thinking, innovation management and R&D on how new technology can be implemented in existing products and services
Making funding decisions in regards to innovation-driven technology

Chief Operating Officer of IT

One of the least common types of CTO, Chief Operating Officer of IT operates in a significantly large organization where there are hundreds of IT employees and requires the day-to-day operation of running IT-led innovations. The role is also called the Operational Technology Officer and generally works closely with the CIO and the Resource Management Team. The responsibilities include:

Vendor management
Managing data center security in telecommunications
Enhancing the productivity of IT employees
Risk mitigation and resource management
Modernization of IT systems, ERPs, and taking significant decisions for procurement of technology
Creating performance standards for all IT team members

These are the four basic types of CTO personas. However, it may be a combination of two or more roles depending on the company’s strategy and motives. Through understanding these personas, you can drive digital transformation efforts, accelerate business goals, and recruit better for your digital business.

Christopher Khor

Christopher provides technology insight as well as advising & coaching services to IT Professionals. He is also an Adjunct Teaching Mentor with SMU Business School. He graduated with an MBA as well as MSc(Computer Science) and has over 30 years of working experience, serving in critical roles such as IT Director and CIO positions. He believes in the power of relationship building and people development through mentoring and coaching organizational success.