The CIO Agenda 2026 — From Vision to Value

The CIO Agenda 2026 — From Vision to Value

October 5, 2025 (last modified)
By Roger Wegh
Digital transformation is now central to business survival and growth. As companies restructure to simplify and prepare for the future, tech leaders are at the forefront—tasked with turning bold ambitions into measurable impact.

The rules of business have changed. Digital transformation is no longer a side project — it’s the backbone of growth and survival. At the same time, many organizations are restructuring to reduce complexity, free up capital, and prepare for the future. This puts today’s leaders — CIOs, CTOs, and Chief Restructuring Officers — at the center of one of the most critical shifts in decades. The challenge? Turning ambition into measurable impact.

1. Dream  

Every transformation starts with a bold vision. What are the two or three outcomes you absolutely must deliver—cost efficiency, new revenue streams, or a better customer experience? Once those are clear, build your digital vanguard — a focused group of teams that can deliver visible results in the first 90 days. Small wins build momentum, create belief, and prove that change is possible.

2. Design  

A successful transformation isn’t about moving boxes on an org chart. It’s about creating an operating model that unlocks value. That means:

  • Structuring around value streams, not departments.
  • Aligning platforms, data, and funding directly to outcomes.
  • Simplifying decision-making to cut delays and silos.
  • Treating program and change management as a first-class workstream, not a side activity.

3. Do  

  Rhythm keeps focus high, builds trust, and ensures transformation delivers real value.

Ideas only matter when they translate into results. That’s why winning organizations run in 90-day value cycles:

  1. Commit to a handful of measurable bets.
  2. Empower squads with both business and tech expertise.
  3. Deliver small increments every few weeks.
  4. Measure impact in cost savings, growth, or customer satisfaction.
  5. Scale what works, stop what doesn’t.

The Role of Today’s Transformation Leaders  

  • CIO – Shapes the digital and IT agenda and ensures technology investments deliver measurable business value.
  • CTO – Builds the platforms, integration, and reliability needed for speed and innovation.
  • CRO (Chief Restructuring Officer) – Stabilizes finances, drives restructuring initiatives, and creates the space for digital transformation to succeed.

Together, they form the leadership triangle that can guide companies through uncertainty and into growth.

Why Act Now?  

  • Complexity is costly – restructuring cuts friction and speeds up decision-making.
  • Budgets are under pressure – every initiative must prove impact fast.
  • Talent is the real multiplier – investing in people makes transformation stick.