What’s the difference between CIO and CTO?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the distinguishing characteristics of those two roles.

Chief Information Officer

• Serves as the company’s top technology infrastructure manager
• Runs the organization’s internal IT operations
• Works to streamline business processes with technology
• Focuses on internal customers (users and business units)
• Collaborates and manages vendors that supply infrastructure solutions
• Aligns the company’s IT infrastructure with business priorities
• Developers strategies to increase the company’s bottom line (profitability)
• Has to be a skilled and organized manager to be successful

Chief Technology Officer

• Serves as the company’s top technology architect
• Runs the organization’s engineering group
• Uses technology to enhance the company’s product offerings
• Focuses on external customers (buyers)
• Collaborates and manages vendors that supply solutions to enhance the company’s product(s)
• Aligns the company’s product architecture with business priorities
• Develops strategies to increase the company’s top line (revenue)
• Has to be a creative and innovative technologist to be successful