Interview Richard van Wageningen President EU Orange Business about strategic themes impacting CIOs
In our latest CIONET Spotlight interview, we sat down with Richard van Wageningen, President Europe at Orange Business, to discuss the strategic themes shaping the role of CIOs today. With his extensive international experience, Richard provides a clear view of the challenges – and opportunities – that digital leaders across Europe are facing.
From IT leader to strategic partnerAccording to Richard, the CIO’s role has fundamentally shifted. No longer confined to running infrastructure and keeping systems operational, CIOs are now expected to be true business partners at board level. Their influence extends well beyond technology, helping shape the strategy, resilience and sustainability of the entire organisation.
Key themes on the CIO agenda
Richard highlights five major areas that demand attention:
- Digital transformation and innovation – Organisations must continuously adapt and innovate to remain relevant. CIOs play a critical role in driving this agility.
- Cybersecurity and digital sovereignty – Trust and security are becoming strategic assets in a world of geopolitical uncertainty and evolving cyber threats.
- Collaboration and ecosystems – Creating value requires working closely with partners, suppliers, and even competitors within connected ecosystems.
- Sustainability and responsible IT – CIOs have the responsibility to ensure that technology contributes to greener, more sustainable business practices.
- Data and AI-driven decision making – Unlocking the potential of data through AI and advanced analytics is becoming a key differentiator for competitive advantage.
Looking ahead
For Richard, the future CIO is not only a technology leader but also a driver of change and innovation. By combining strategic vision with strong partnerships and a focus on talent, CIOs can help their organisations thrive in uncertain times.
Watch the full interview here:
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