Michael Nilles, chief digital officer and CEO of Schindler Digital Business, recently sat down with the Wall Street Journal. Mr. Nilles joined the Switzerland-based elevator and escalator manufacturer Schindler Group as CIO in 2009, and was appointed to chief digital officer earlier this year.
Here's what he had to share:
1. Companies typically focus on customers, products, processes and data.
2. The CIO role is internally focused, emphasizing three of the four components: products, processes and data. The CIO might manage the technology side, including supply chain, productivity and efficiency.
3. The CDO role is externally focused, emphasizing all four of the components, including the customer. The CDO might facilitate connections between the company's product and the consumer market.
4. Mr. Nilles suggests a company's CIO or CIO organization report to the CDO, to ensure collaboration.