UK & Ireland CIO Community
Executive Summit

Enterprise productivity is top of mind for business leaders everywhere and CIOs play a crucial role in showcasing progress and true value to the business in this mission. A well-crafted digital employee experience (DEX) strategy that addresses changes in the way employees work and interact with digital tools will ensure that your processes and technologies advance the mission of a high performing workforce and improved enterprise productivity.

Join this case study to discuss a journey with DEX, including:

• Improving operational efficiency and business outcomes
• Measuring IT impact to strategic business growth
• Leveraging DEX to improve optimization and visibility of IT assets

Data and AI maturity varies drastically among organisations and it can be difficult for CIOs to know where they start, and whether they are making the most out of their data sets. These challenges are further amplified as organisations build AI-powered digital strategies. From communicating data updates internally to demonstrating the impact AI strategy has on business outcomes, how can IT Leaders get past the complexities of these challenges and utilise them to improve their strategies? Join Christopher Blatchford, CTO, Kingfisher as he shares his thoughts about how AI and Data strategy can contribute to increased sales and enhanced customer experience.

Specifically, Christopher will share:

• How Kingfisher accelerated their use of data and AI to unlock growth opportunities in line with the ‘Powered by Kingfisher’ ethos
• Communicating confidence to the business that data infrastructure is aligned with data strategy
• The learnings and recommendations for CIOs looking to make the most out of their data sets and drive business collaboration and value

From the moment you start shopping for flights until you check in at your hotel, technology is at the center of the travel experience. Which is why Manchester Airports Group (MAG) is investing in digital transformation and innovation to give their passengers the best experience possible at their airports. By focusing on the business outcomes, and customer experiences, MAG has made huge strides towards delivering intelligent airports of the future.

Join this session as CIO Nick Woods shares:

• Securing leadership buy-in for technology investments to drive the intelligent airport
• Enhancing operational efficiencies by leveraging data and AI
• How CIOs can better link IT to business value through enhanced experiences an ROI

The IT Executive role has evolved significantly from a service provider to a business enabler that drives the next generation of digital business. Alongside this evolution, questions about how the CIO can best utilise their newfound influence have become all the more pertinent.

But what about those aspects that ‘new to role’ executives don’t typically consider? Managing relationships at the top, inspiring the business to adopt new technologies and constant change management can be tough, all whilst maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s crucial for aspiring CIOs to remain cognisant of the underlying realities behind a role of this magnitude. Join this session to hear Technology Executives share the realities of the role, and advice on how to strike the right balance for success.

Join this boardroom and discuss:

• The level of commitment expected of a CIO and how this might differ across organisations of varying sizes and sectors
• Understanding and overcoming hurdles and blockers while transitioning into the CIO role
• How to sustain a healthy work-life balance in a high profile, fast moving role

The proliferation of AI-driven APIs, applications, and data has introduced unprecedented levels of IT complexity. This poses significant challenges for enterprises striving to deliver greater efficiencies and better return on AI investments. With 82% of enterprise leaders acknowledging that IT complexity is hindering their success, how can CIOs address these challenges to reduce overspend and drive better performance? Join this session to discuss:

• Streamlining integration for the AI era
• Unlocking value from your data more productively and efficiently
• Automating actions to allow organizations to use their resources

Organisations must navigate the unpredictable with a calculated and dynamic mindset. From supply chain shortages to rising inflation and complex business transition, technology leaders must increasingly do more with less and innovate to keep customers. Clear communication and vision are key, but how should IT Leaders sustain multiyear strategies with so much transformation, at pace. Join Adrian Berry, CTO at Asda as he shares his thoughts and insights into:

• How Asda are accelerating their digital strategy and driving an ambitious transformation programme
• Sustaining change in multiyear programmes and practical advice on establishing a clear vision for the desired state
• A fireside chat with Debra Bailey, CIO, OSB Group on managing complex change programmes

In today's dynamic business environment, technology is no longer confined to the CIO’s domain. Yet, many in the C-suite remain uncertain about how to effectively collaborate and leverage complex architectures and systems to accelerate strategic execution. For forward-thinking CIOs, communication transcends being a mere skill—it is a leadership imperative. The most successful CIOs are those who can weave complex technical concepts into compelling narratives, creating a shared vision that bridges the gap between business and IT.

How do industry leaders achieve this? What are the keys to sparking action and spearheading digital innovation? How can you transition from a "us vs. them" mindset to a franchise-like model for digital delivery?

Join this boardroom session to explore

• The art of storytelling that tackles unique challenges, introduces meaningful tension, and presents inspiring resolutions.
• Crucial executive leadership skills that drive business engagement and align IT priorities with overarching organisational goals.
• Techniques to amplify your message, fostering collaboration across the enterprise and maximizing the value of digital investments

CIOs face an increasingly difficult dual challenge of navigating complex environments while effectively communicating to inspire and lead. The intentional use of words can boost their influence, improve their communications, and forge stronger bonds with the CEO, peers, and employees. With so many competing priorities, how can CIOs think and act more as an executive first, and functional leader second. This Keynote will address:

• How to boost influence over others by tapping into people’s agency and identity
• Overcoming cognitive bias when someone assumes others have the same knowledge they do
• Using emotional language to build stronger connections with others and improve outcomes