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Post-merger firm needed top-tier CIO – immediately

The Situation

A $500M resort development company had just been acquired and was in the throes of acquisition-related management changes. The core need was for an interim CIO who could provide IT leadership in the clutch, to keep IT focused throughout the transition.

The company president hoped this CIO could also make critical changes that would transform IT from an isolated "black box" function into an efficient, collaborative, results-oriented business partner.

The company had legacy systems and therefore legacy IT skills. But executives were demanding business systems that were more responsive to the rapidly changing industry and customer demands, especially in terms of direct marketing and customer relationship management. The boat was turning too slowly, and the acquiring company recognized the situation and the need for change.

The Intervention

Like most interim CIO engagements, this wasn't merely a "babysitting" function, but instead a situation that called for action by a leader who recognized opportunities for change, and could deliver this change with a results-oriented approach balancing diligence, drive and discipline.

The Results

The impact of this interim CIO engagement? Project management discipline increased significantly, enabling current IT projects to get back on track and be completed on time. Executive IT steering committee meetings were initiated, providing greater transparency into IT operations. The right IT team members were assigned to the right roles, significantly improving IT management ability. Project failures were reduced and operational costs were controlled.

The business soon understood what it meant to have a true business partner in IT. This company's IT organization experienced a renewed energy and purpose as it began to focus more on business needs and results. That energy flowed into the rest of the business through IT's increased communication, collaboration and alignment. Frustration with IT abated. GrowthWave's interim CIO successfully paved the way for a smooth transition of a reinvigorated IT shop to a permanent successor.