With only a week remaining, South Africa will soon find out which of its top IT leaders will claim the prestigious CIO of the Year title. Ziaad Suleman, chief commercial officer (CCO) at EOH, explains why sponsoring this award perfectly aligns with company’s vision.
The CIO of the Year Award recognises an IT leader who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation, contributing to the success of their organisation over a number of years. On 12 November, Ziaad Suleman will proudly present the award to this year’s deserving recipient.
According to Ziaad, iOCO’s commitment to the CIO of the Year award stems from its dedication to advancing South Africa’s technology landscape by fostering a collaborative, innovation-focused community.
“Recognising and empowering CIOs who excel in leadership and vision aligns with our goal to build a robust tech ecosystem, which fosters growth, creates jobs and enables entrepreneurial success,” he says. “The CIO of the Year Award celebrates CIOs who push boundaries and drive forward our collective mission to leverage technology for a stronger, more resilient South Africa. It also allows us to give back to the community we partner with and serve.”
In the past, IT leaders were often viewed as ‘box droppers and cable pluggers’. Today, the CIO’s role has evolved into that of a strategic business partner, innovation leader, and team champion. “We look for individuals who not only deliver measurable results but also lead through collaboration, bring forward-thinking solutions, and contribute positively to the tech community, society and the country,” Ziaad points out. “Their leadership and commitment sets an example that inspires and elevates the entire industry and beyond,” he notes the standout characteristics in a CIO.”
The recipient of the CIO of the Year award should be a business partner with a proven track record of implementing effective IT strategies and achieving measurable results. Ziaad reflects on the evolving role of CIOs, noting their growing impact on organisational success.
“The role of the CIO has transformed significantly, expanding from operational oversight to a more strategic position where they drive organisational innovation and resilience. Today’s CIOs play a crucial role in shaping business strategy, implementing digital transformation, ensuring cybersecurity, and all while aligning IT initiatives with business goals,” Ziaad explains.
“As technology continues to evolve, CIOs are increasingly essential in guiding their organisations through change, building agility, and ensuring long-term success,” he concludes.
