View all newsletters
Receive our newsletter - data, insights and analysis delivered to you
  1. Technology
  2. Networks
May 15, 2015

Cisco: Enterprises need a Chief Disruption Officer

'New eras call for new leadership roles.'

By Alexander Sword

Cisco claims that it might be time for a new C-level executive, a ‘Chief Disruption Officer’, to manage enterprises‘ responses to new trends such as the IoT.

In a blog, Laurence Cruz compares the current climate to the early 2000s, claiming that just as earlier periods of innovation have necessitated new roles, the Internet of Things period might do the same.

"New eras call for new leadership roles. Back around 2000, Vice Presidents of eBusiness first appeared as companies migrated their business processes online.

"A decade later, Chief Data Officers and Chief Innovation Officers began springing up to seize the opportunities in big data. Today, as the Internet of Things (IoT) takes off, some observers say it’s time for a new C-level exec — a Chief Disruption Officer. Or perhaps a Chief IOT Officer."

The Chief Disruption Officer would have to combine a capacity for innovative thinking with a sense of pragmatism about the organisation‘s business objectives. They would then need to ensure that they translated ambitions for the IoT into practice.

"So the job would also include establishing quantifiable metrics to track success — something two-thirds of companies overlook, according to a global survey of over 200 IoT stakeholders sponsored by ParStream."

The blog comments: "In addition to threats from nascent technologies and business models, a Chief Disruption Officer can expect to face resistance to the changes she proposes."

Content from our partners
How businesses can safeguard themselves on the cyber frontline
How hackers’ tactics are evolving in an increasingly complex landscape
Green for go: Transforming trade in the UK

"So who needs to hire a Chief Disruption Officer or Chief IoT Officer?" asks Cruz. "In short, any company that views IoT as a potential strategic advantage or that faces a threat of digital disruption."

Websites in our network
Select and enter your corporate email address Tech Monitor's research, insight and analysis examines the frontiers of digital transformation to help tech leaders navigate the future. Our Changelog newsletter delivers our best work to your inbox every week.
  • CIO
  • CTO
  • CISO
  • CSO
  • CFO
  • CDO
  • CEO
  • Architect Founder
  • MD
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
THANK YOU