The Changing Role of the Technology Leader: Executive Recruiter Perspectives

December 5, 2024

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About the Guest

Katie Graham Shannon

Partner, Global Head of the Digital and Technology Officers Practice, Heidrick & Struggles

Katie Graham Shannon is a partner in Heidrick & Struggles’ San Francisco office and global head of the Digital and Technology Officers Practice. She specializes in recruiting digital and technology executives who drive transformation and business impact. With over 20 years at Heidrick & Struggles, Katie has placed hundreds of leaders in roles like CDO, CIO, and CTO. Her expertise spans emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, security, and digital leadership. She is recognized for her strong network, providing clients with access to top talent across industries and private equity-backed companies.

Art Hopkins

Managing Director and Co-Lead, Technology Officers Practice, Russell Reynolds

Art Hopkins leads the Global Technology Officers Practice at Russell Reynolds Associates and is a senior member of the firm’s Board and Advisory group. He specializes in CTIO, digital, data, and CTO roles and co-leads the firm’s global Diversity and Inclusion Practice. Art has conducted high-profile searches, including CIO and technology executive placements for major companies and the first Chief Inclusion Officer for a leading e-commerce firm. Before Russell Reynolds, Art was CEO of Macquarium, transforming it into a premier design firm. His earlier career includes leadership roles in consulting and participant accounting at NBD Trust Co. of Illinois (now Chase Bank).

Henry Man

Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Candela Search

Henry Man is the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Candela Search, a boutique retained search firm with offices in the US and Europe. He has over 20 years of experience placing senior technology and digital leaders across industries, beginning during the dotcom boom. Henry is passionate about travel, having visited over 80 countries, and enjoys scuba diving in his free time. He grew up in Hampshire, England, and now calls London home. His global expertise and focus on technology leadership make him a sought-after advisor for transformative hiring.

Episode Overview

930: The role of digital and technology leaders is rapidly evolving, with executive recruiters discussing how advancements like AI are redefining their titles, responsibilities, and organizational impact globally. In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our 2024 Metis Strategy Summit with executive recruiters Katie Graham Shannon (Heidrick & Struggles), Art Hopkins (Russell Reynolds), and Henry Man (Candela Search) who explore how technology executive roles are changing in title, scope, and influence. The panel, moderated by Metis Strategy’s Steven Norton, delves into the shifting dynamics of leadership and discusses the implications for organizations worldwide.

Highlights include:

CIO Role Evolution: The panel explores how technology leaders are moving closer to the CEO, taking on broader responsibilities like cultural transformation and value creation.
AI’s Leadership Impact: Discussion on how AI is reshaping leadership, with roles focusing on business disruption rather than purely technical oversight.
Global Leadership Trends: Insights into differences between US and European leadership cultures, including compensation, risk-taking, and reporting lines.
Technology Leaders on Boards: Analyzing the growing trend of CIOs joining corporate boards and the critical business acumen required.
Recruiter Relationships and Interview Tips: Practical advice on building meaningful recruiter connections and standing out in executive interview processes.

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