300 Industry Leading Women CIOs/CTOs

BREAKING THE CIO/CTO GLASS CEILING

Firms are hiring WOMEN Chief Information & Technology Officers in greater numbers

Scroll to review the full list of 300 Industry Leading Women in Technology (CIOs / CTOs)

A Time For Change

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced every major organization to rethink traditional business strategies. Many firms have reduced hiring budgets, but increased their level of focus on transformation initiatives, including diversity hiring. Major corporations have hired more men into the CIO/CTO role than women (by roughly a 5 to 1 ratio) for far too long. The time for change and more equitable hiring is long overdue. Firms are hiring women CIOs/CTOs in greater numbers. The list below was created with the goal of spotlighting women technology leaders across industry and the organizations supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please let us know if there is an executive that you feel should be added to this list.

Increasing The Scale of Opportunity

Women are taking on more CIO/CTO roles at larger firms. Here are the numbers by annual revenue:

  • 7% (of 300 women CIO/CTO executives listed below) are employed by firms with annual revenue greater than $100Bil
  • 10% (of 300 women CIO/CTO executives listed below) are employed by firms with annual revenue between $50Bil and $99.9Bil
  • 34% (of 300 women CIO/CTO executives listed below) are employed by firms with annual revenue between $10Bil and $49Bil
  • 49% (of 300 women CIO/CTO executives listed below) are employed by firms with annual revenue less than $9.9Bil

Inspiring Everyone is A Worthwhile Goal

Every small change has an incredible impact on the way society evolves, thinks and cares for everyone. Firms that are committed to creating more inclusive environments, become well integrated across the organization. Positive change comes from a clear focus from inspirational leaders that are committed to cultural transformation. Building inclusive culture starts with finding leaders that inspire your team members to improve themselves, take greater responsibility for their team members and the larger community around them.

There is still a long way for us to go in removing the glass ceiling but thank you for paving the way and changing the world.

Leading Industry Change – Inspiring & Empowering Others

Catherine P. Bessant

Chief Operations and Technology Officer, Bank of America

Greater Performance Together

Diverse teams form more comprehensive views of the world and lead organizations to higher levels of growth and understanding. Organizations with broader perspective and diversity of experience consistently outperform their competitors. Increased awareness and engagement are key to facilitation of creative thinking. Engagement with new communities in the world lead people to make better decisions and move towards more innovative ways of thinking and acting. It also leads towards more effective use of resources. In general, organizations have higher levels of performance through creating more inclusive environments and engaging more diverse ideas into processes.

Diverse Perspective

As an organization and society, we can only succeed if we make sure that we understand the wider world around us. Social structures are changing at increasing pace. We seek new perspectives from trusted advisors. Willard Powell has a diverse network of clients and executives who advise us on important emerging gender, nationality and cultural issues. In particular, we seek perspective from executive advisors with a “maternal” view on how the world, who can inspire others to better care for everyone. The African proverb “it takes a village,” can be applied in professional communities.

Increasing Diversity Amongst Women CIOs/CTOs

In terms of race / ethnicity, women CIOs/CTOs at major corporations are overwhelmingly White / Caucasian, followed by women of Asian / Pacific Islander descent. There should be a continued focus on creating greater opportunities for women CIOs/CTOs in general, but there is a particular need to increase the hiring of Black / African American and Hispanic / Latin women CIOs/CTOs.

For general information on Willard Powell’s diversity & inclusion services, market data on executive compensation, or information on talent research services, please email:

david.mcinnis@willardwpowell.com