The first talk addressed the critical role of CIOs in shaping corporate strategy and governance. Moderated with an engaging tone, the panel discussed how technology and digital transformation are no longer confined to the IT department but are now essential to the decision-making at the highest levels of business. Arnoud Klerkx, a seasoned consultant with expertise in financial sectors, provided his perspective on technology oversight and strategic vision. Louise Out van Staveren, an experienced executive from IBM, emphasized the importance of diversity in IT and the pressing need for more female representation in the industry. She noted that only 16.5% of IT professionals in the Netherlands are women, a stark reminder of the sector's gender imbalance. 

The discussion also explored the challenges CIOs face in balancing technical expertise with business acumen. Robert van Riessen, the CIO of Design Armed, shared his insights into how CIOs must transition from being purely technical experts to becoming key business strategists. The conversation shifted towards a provocative question: Should a CIO consider resigning if their influence in the boardroom is minimal? The panelists explored this question in depth, debating whether a CIO's role should remain confined to technology or whether they should evolve into business leaders who influence overall company direction. The session concluded by emphasizing the need for CIOs to navigate the boardroom with a dual understanding of technology and business, ensuring they have a seat at the decision-making table.

 

The second talk was a more personal exploration of the career paths and leadership journeys of some of the most prominent CIOs in the industry. Sjourd Wijdeveld, Ton Arrachart, and Hans Geurts, all distinguished CIOs with vast experience in various sectors, discussed how they have navigated their careers in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving technological landscape. The session provided an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs they faced, from overcoming organizational resistance to driving successful digital transformation projects.

The discussion also touched on the rapidly changing demands of the CIO role in today’s world. The panelists explored the importance of continuous learning, adapting to emerging technologies, and leading teams through periods of uncertainty and change. They stressed that a successful CIO needs to embrace both the technical and the human aspects of leadership. Leadership in technology is not just about understanding the latest tools and platforms but also about managing people and fostering a culture that can embrace innovation. They also highlighted the importance of being proactive in shaping organizational culture to support long-term digital strategies.

 

Overall, CIOfest 2025 served as a crucial platform for CIOs to come together, exchange ideas, and discuss the future of digital leadership. The event underscored the importance of building strong relationships between technology and business leaders, fostering diversity in the IT industry, and preparing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It was clear from the discussions that the role of the CIO is transforming—no longer a back-office function but a pivotal force driving business growth, innovation, and transformation.

The discussions at CIOfest left attendees with valuable takeaways on how to lead in the digital age, from building strategic business partnerships to understanding the human side of technology leadership. The event successfully showcased the evolving role of CIOs, who must not only manage technology but also act as key business strategists, making it an essential gathering for anyone invested in the future of digital transformation.