Making the Most of CDOs, CIOs and CTOs

Over the past 40-plus years, the c-suites at many companies (including retailers) have grown to include a variety of tech-oriented titles, including Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Data Officer (CDO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO). While the specific duties and emphasis of each IT title vary somewhat, the underlying rationale for all is to have a high-level executive working on finding ways to integrate technology into a business’ day-to-day operations.

The importance of such roles is reflected in the comments made by the interim CEO at Kohl’s about that retailer’s hiring of a new CTO, Steve Dee, whose career includes stints at Nike, J. Crew and Accenture. “As an omnichannel retailer, it’s critical for our business to have smart, agile tech solutions that both drive the work and enable operational effectiveness,” said Kohl’s Michael Bender in an Aug. 18 news release on the hire. “Steve is well-positioned to help accelerate our strategic goals and enhance the experiences we deliver to our customers and teams.”

But even as the hiring of such execs continues to spread, many retailers are not making the most of this tech talent, a recent study by Info-Tech Research Group concludes. Specifically, Info-Tech says that retail organizations navigating the constant disruptions of the current era “require more than point solutions or temporary fixes; they need a cohesive strategy that links technology investments to measurable outcomes.”

Consequently, IT leaders need to act decisively, balancing cost discipline with innovation, the study concludes. “In times of uncertainty, the best path forward isn’t just to cut costs; it’s to starve waste and feed a revolution,” said Info-Tech Research Director Donnafay MacDonald. “That’s how retail IT can shift from defense to growth and turn volatility into a competitive edge.”