Chief Information and Digital Officer

Company Overview:
Our client is a global leader in the automotive industry, known for its innovation, engineering excellence, and commitment to sustainable mobility. As the company continues to transform digitally and drive value across its ecosystem, we are seeking a visionary Chief Information and Digital Officer (CIDO) to lead the next phase of digital and technological advancement.

Position Summary:
The Chief Information and Digital Officer is accountable for defining and executing the enterprise-wide digital and information technology (I&T) strategy. This role ensures alignment with the overall business strategy and drives innovation by identifying and leveraging current and emerging digital technologies, platforms, and data-driven opportunities.

The CIDO will oversee the delivery of all I&T capabilities required to enable high-performing business functions, streamline operations, and enhance customer experience. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the CIDO will shape the company’s future business model and operating model, bringing thought leadership in digital transformation, IT governance, cybersecurity, data strategy, and enterprise architecture.

• Define and lead the enterprise digital and IT strategy in alignment with the overall business goals and transformation roadmap.

• Collaborate with executive leaders to integrate digital technologies into the core business and product strategies.

• Drive enterprise-wide digital initiatives to improve operational efficiency, customer engagement, product innovation, and new revenue models.

• Lead change management efforts across functions to foster a digitally agile culture.

• Oversee the design, development, implementation, and operation of IT systems, platforms, cybersecurity, and infrastructure globally.

• Ensure IT governance, data security, regulatory compliance, and risk management.

• Evaluate and adopt cutting-edge technologies (AI, ML, cloud, IoT, analytics) to support business goals.

• Foster partnerships with external tech providers, startups, and academic institutions.

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing, globally distributed digital and IT team.

• Cultivate a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Manage the digital and IT budget effectively, ensuring cost optimization and value delivery.

• Define and track KPIs to measure the performance and ROI of digital and IT initiatives.

• Minimum 15+ years in senior digital and IT leadership roles, ideally in the automotive, industrial, or manufacturing sectors.

• Demonstrated success leading enterprise digital transformation programs on a global scale.

• Deep understanding of business strategy, digital platforms, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise systems (e.g., ERP, CRM), and data architecture.

• Experience managing complex, multi-location technology organizations.

• Strong business acumen and ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Fluent in English; additional European languages (especially Italian or Spanish) are a plus.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.

• Strategic thinker with a visionary mindset and a strong bias for execution.

• Influential leader capable of inspiring teams and driving change across large, matrixed organizations.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with an executive presence.

• Resilient, agile, and passionate about driving sustainable value through technology.