Interesting to see Capgemini UK appointing a Chief Digital Officer (CDO). Dr Cliff Evans, who we have met in his previous capacity as Transformation Director for the defence and security sector, will take on the role. Capgemini has stated that his prime role will be to “enable the company’s clients in all sectors to reap the maximum benefits from the new opportunities arising from today’s digital, online, social media and mobile technologies” with the overall aim of his mission “to optimise the way client organisations work in a world of ongoing technological and social change”. Evans is recognised as a though leader in digital transformation.
We recently read an article from Executive Search Agency, Russell Reynolds, on ‘The rise of the Chief Digital Officer’. It noted a spike in demand for CDOs, particularly in Europe, where the number of search requests for the role has risen by almost a third in the last two years, and in the US, which has seen the same growth in half the time. In Asia, the role remains relatively junior though. Unsurprisingly the trend has been most apparent in the retail and leisure sectors. Traditionally the ‘digital’ responsibilities were held by the marketing function within the business with the aim of driving online presence.
Russell Reynolds also found that, due to the increasing importance of the role, and the wide range of capabilities and experience required (operational, management, strategy, vision), the CDO will eventually be in the queue for CEO succession. Perhaps we should watch Evans progression carefully! Capgemini's UK Chairman Christine Hodgson says of Evans: “He is well qualified to help our clients stay ahead of the digital wave that is breaking over every sector of the economy”.