Despite potential disruption, companies sometimes need a change in tech leadership to achieve their digital aspirations.
Several factors can drive executive turnover, including an unexpected resignation or a shift in strategy. Leaders can also retire, making way for a rising team player in upper management to step up to the C-suite.
This summer, CIO Dive noted a spike in tech leadership changes. Midyear appointments may help organizations adjust to evolving economic or business conditions, and it affords incoming executives a chance to shape the goals and strategies for the following year.
From Southwest Airlines to Walgreens and Citi, here is a quick recap of the top CIO appointments we covered this year:
Discover adds CIO from Wells Fargo
Former Wells Fargo executive Jason Strle joined financial services firm Discover as its new CIO in July. Strle succeeded Amir Arooni, who joined the company in 2020.
Walgreens' tech leadership shake-up
Walgreens Boots Alliance tapped executive Neal Sample as its new EVP and CIO, the company announced in November. Sample had previously joined the retail pharmacy firm in October in an advisory capacity after the departure of former CIO Hsiao Wang. Walgreens underwent a broader leadership shift in October as the board of directors appointed ex-Cigna executive Tim Wentworth as new CEO.
Corporate split brings new leadership at Kellogg
The Kellogg Company appointed Eric Firer as CIO for Kellogg North America, effective June 19. Firer previously served as a regional CIO for Bacardi’s North and Latin American beverage division. Following the company's corporate split, Firer retained his title at Kellanova North America.
Marriott Worldwide Vacations adds retail insight
Raman Bukkapatnam, a seasoned executive with stints at Starbucks and Nike, became CIO at Marriott Vacations Worldwide in July. Bukkapatnam replaced executive Dwight Smith, who retired after more than three decades at the hospitality brand.
New tech leadership at Ocean Spray
Neil Hampshire joined cranberry co-op Ocean Spray in October as its new chief information and digital officer. Hampshire, a three-decade IT veteran, most recently served as VP of global IT operations, service and infrastructure at Subway.
Citi's C-suite overhaul
The financial services firm reportedly elevated Jonathan Lofthouse to the co-CIO role in November. Lofthouse replaced departing co-CIO Stuart Riley, and will lead the company’s digital transformation efforts alongside co-CIO Shadman Zafar, according to Reuters.
Tech succession at Colgate-Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive elevated David Foster to the CIO role following the retirement of outgoing CIO Mike Crowe. Foster previously served as VP of global application development at the manufacturer.
Succession at Chobani
Executive Tom Cullen became CIO for the food company in July, reporting to president and COO Kevin Burns. Cullen joined Chobani from Corsair, a gaming equipment maker.
Southwest revamps leadership amid transformation
In February, in the aftermath of a major IT and operational outage over the holiday travel season, Southwest Airlines promoted Lauren Woods, previously VP of Technology, as SVP and CIO.
Nordstrom attracts ex-Walmart exec
Jason Morris, previously an SVP of enterprise business services at Walmart Global Tech, joined Nordstrom as its chief technology and information officer in May. The retailer tasked Morris with overseeing technology functions, including engineering, data science and analytics.
McKesson adds CIO
Pharmaceutical company McKesson revamped its tech leadership in October, promoting Francisco Fraga — formerly SVP and CIO of pharmaceutical solutions and services — as its new EVP, CIO and CTO.
Tyson promotes from within
Tyson Foods promoted Doug Kulka, previously the VP of delivery-as-a-service, as its new CIO in February. In September, Kulka also took on the duties of outgoing CTO Danyel Bischof-Forsyth.
Rite Aid appoints CIO with retail chops
In August, Rite Aid appointed Christine Rose as its new SVP and CIO, overseeing the company's technology strategy. Rose's appointment came amid a handful of leadership changes, including the departure of Justin Mennen, EVP and chief digital and technology officer.
Casey's finds in-house CIO replacement
Sanjeev Satturu was promoted to SVP and CIO at Casey's in March, following the departure of CIO Adrian Butler. Satturu had most recently served as VP of IT at the convenience retailer.
McCain Foods gains manufacturing insight
McCain Foods tapped former Kimberly-Clark Global CDO and CIO Manoj Kumbhat to serve as its chief technology and information officer in March. Kumbhat joined the food company after more than six years at Kimberly-Clark.
