Shared CIO: a key actor for companies

Are you familiar with the concept of a shared CIO (Chief Information Officer)?

Increasingly popular with SMEs and mid-sized companies, this agile format allows businesses to access expertise in information systems and strategy without incurring the cost of a full-time position. Olivier Malbert, shared CIO at NowBrains, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at this profession.

“Being a shared CIO means providing specialized expertise while adapting to the pace and real needs of the company. We act as a strategic partner, integrated into the life of the company.”

The three main advantages of a shared CIO

1. Budgetary and operational flexibility

“Companies optimize their resources. They benefit from high-level IT management without having to finance a full-time position. And they can adjust the intensity of the intervention according to their projects.” The presence at the company is weekly, often for one day. It can be adjusted according to the projects, allowing for a tailor-made approach that is closely aligned with operational needs.

2. Multi-sector expertise

“My colleagues and I pool our experience. We work in different sectors and on a range of topics (GDPR, IT optimization, implementation of a new ERP system, etc.). Our clients benefit from this cross-functional approach, whether in terms of methodology, security, or project management.” 

3. Day-to-day strategic support

The shared CIO also becomes a partner to the company’s management. They manage IT strategy, digital transformation projects, and IT governance. They position themselves as “the right-hand man of management,” explains Olivier.

Shared CIO: a rapidly changing job

The role of CIO has long been technical, focused on infrastructure and software issues. Today, it is increasingly business-oriented. This is even more true when the position is filled by a shared (or transitional, or outsourced) CIO.

Executives are looking for a partner who will talk to them about performance, governance, and innovation, and who understands their business challenges. “Our mission is also to challenge practices and bring an external perspective from other sectors and our own experiences,” explains Olivier. “Each context requires specific support.”

This is all the more true given the extreme diversity of the assignments: growing start-ups, companies in transition, or organizations seeking medium-term guidance. Ultimately, all of these companies benefit from the experience of the shared CIO. In the case of NowBrains, this experience is enriched by exchanges with other areas of expertise within the group: cybersecurity, data, GDPR, artificial intelligence, and more.

Artificial intelligence: the topic that is stirring up all departments

Over the past year, demand for artificial intelligence has exploded. The shared CIO naturally stands out as the go-to person for executives, who are often torn between the desire to innovate and the fear of being left behind. “All executives talk to us about it,” confirms Olivier.

Their role is to structure the approach and provide expertise on the steps to be taken and the AI tools available. This is a new development in the IT department profession and brings new challenges: deploying AI systems in a secure environment, based on clear and sustainable governance.

The key player for executives

The shared CIO is proving to be the right solution for SMEs and mid-market companies. Often chosen for financial reasons or recruitment difficulties, this service provider quickly becomes a key player.

“We often act as an independent ear for management. We help them take a step back and structure a coherent technology strategy. The shared CIO is a sparring partner who challenges choices and informs decisions.”