Chief Digital Officer (CDO) Job Description Template

The chief digital officer leads the transformation of how an organization operates and reaches its customers through digital channels. The role differs from the chief information officer in focus, being oriented toward growth, customer experience and new business models rather than the reliable operation of internal technology. It usually requires driving change across functions that do not report to it.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Set and lead the digital strategy for the organization
• Own digital customer experience across channels
• Lead digital product and channel teams
• Drive change in operating models enabled by digital capability
• Own digital commercial performance and its measurement
• Build partnerships with technology and channel partners
• Develop digital capability and literacy across the organization
• Represent the digital agenda to the board and externally
• Manage the digital investment portfolio
• Work with the chief information officer on underlying technology

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business, technology or a related field; MBA common

Required Skills and Experience

• 15+ years including senior leadership of digital businesses or transformation
• Track record of digital initiatives with measurable commercial results
• Ability to drive change across functions without direct authority
• Strong customer experience and product understanding
• Commercial ownership of digital revenue or performance
• Board level communication
• Experience building digital capability in an established organization
• Judgment about which initiatives to stop

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a sector undergoing significant digital disruption
• Background spanning both technology and commercial roles