Omeshnee Naidoo, director: CIO programme leader for Africa at Deloitte, believes the next generation of CIOs will shape the future of technology and drive meaningful change. As one of Africa's leading professional services firms, Deloitte is eager to play a pivotal role in this evolution.
Deloitte will be proudly supporting the Young CIO of the Year award at the second annual CIO Awards on 12 November. This award is presented to a young CIO (40 years or younger) who has shown exceptional leadership, innovation and vision in their role.
“Deloitte Africa is excited to sponsor the Young CIO of the Year Award because we believe in recognising and nurturing emerging talent,” says Omeshnee Naidoo, director: CIO programme leader for Africa at Deloitte. “The next generation of CIOs will be the ones shaping the future of technology and driving meaningful change.
“By supporting this award, we hope to encourage young leaders to continue pushing boundaries, using technology to solve real-world problems, and making a positive impact both in their organisations and in society.”
Candidates for the Young CIO of the Year Award are not only expected to adopt the latest technology, but to harness it in transformative ways.
“We look for candidates who are not just adopting the latest tech but are truly harnessing it to make a difference,” Omeshnee notes. “Whether it’s using AI to streamline operations, implementing 5G for improved connectivity, or integrating automation to boost efficiency, we want to see tangible examples of how they’re pushing the boundaries.”
Over and above this, she says, Deloitte values CIOs who think beyond profit, using technology to drive social impact – highlighting that while technical expertise is essential, a young leader’s ability to act as a strategic business partner within their organisation sets them apart from their peers.
“The Young CIO of the Year is an energetic and driven leader who harnesses technology to create real business value. They’re curious and constantly learning, keeping ahead of trends to shape the future of their organisations,” Omeshnee adds.
“This CIO empowers their teams, fostering a culture where innovation and growth aren’t just encouraged – they’re expected. With a knack for inspiring change, they lead by example, sparking enthusiasm and commitment in those around them to take bold steps toward meaningful progress,” she concludes.
