Digital Transformation Managers

Digital Transformation Managers (or Chief Digital Officers): what do they do?

Technological and web innovation in the work place and in our daily lives has resulted in the development of new professional roles such as the Chief Digital Officer (CDO). These corporate executives are responsible for handling data for organisations. People in this role generally tend to answer to the CEO, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) or the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). If working for a company in the retail sector, CDOs also tend to work closely with the marketing department. Chief Data Officers strategically use big data in order to identify new revenue opportunities and reduce operational costs. Not only that: they also have to provide users with easy access to information and the relevant reporting tools.

What does a Chief Digital Officer actually do?

So what does a Chief Data Officer do, specifically? The profession is quite a new one (created in or around 2007), so there are many conflicting opinions about the tasks involved. As is often the case, the role tend to vary depending on the company and its size. One thing that should be noted, however, is that CDOs – also known as Innovation Managers – don’t just mechanically analyse big data based on algorithms and computer languages, in fact, they also deal with understanding the changes (especially on a cultural level) that need to be made within a company in order to optimise its strategy and profits.

An Innovation Manager may get involved with:

  • identifying the company strategy
  • mapping out interests and objectives
  • analysing market segments according to company needs
  • mapping out different types of customers
  • analysing data from studies
  • explaining data to top management in a simple and understandable way
  • providing a strategy to achieve the business goals

What knowledge does a Chief Digital Officer need to possess?

In recent years, many companies have embarked on a path towards digital transformation, which is why demand for this sort of job role has increased considerably, ultimately leading to an increased number of people embarking on this career. Individuals working in this field must possess both financial and information-related knowledge. A good Chief Data Officer, in fact, can combine technological knowledge with a solid understanding of how a company operates. CDOs are also often tasked with carrying out market analysis, and must therefore be able to understand the business logic behind the choices to be made. That’s why it is often not enough to be an expert in big data, programming, algorithms and Java, you also need to have all-round understanding of the company’s core business.

Data Officers must constantly monitor technological innovations and drive change within the company, which must adapt to new cultural dictates. In fact, said dictates are often closely connected to the business and how the economy is performing, which is why the role also goes by the name of Transformation Manager. CDOs must have an eclectic and versatile mind in order to interpret changes and find the best way to apply them to optimise business.

How do I become a Digital Transformation Manager?

Most people undertaking this profession have solid computer and economic knowledge. They are typically graduates in Economics, Business Studies, Computer Science or Engineering, and have taken a course or master’s degree related specifically to the profession. Given increasing company demand, many institutions and universities are now offering programmes to become CDOs. This is a new and rapidly evolving role, which is why it’s important to enrol on an up-to-date programme in order to keep up with the latest developments in the fields of IT and business management.

What can a Chief Digital Officer expect to earn?

Although a recent profession, Chief Digital Officer can expect to earn quite a high salary due to the delicate nature of the role. Novice CDOs can expect to earn around the €50,000 mark, while Innovation Managers with great experience, can earn up to €80,000 a year.

BBS offers master’s degrees and courses for those interested in becoming Chief Digital Officers.

In order to meet developing company demands and to respond to market needs, Bologna Business School has devised several master’s degrees and courses for those wanting to become Chief Data Officers. These include:

BBS offers numerous programmes that respond to specific and widespread company requirements. IT security, the use of machines (AI) to optimise company performance and operations, IT projects, digital innovation, the Internet of Things, business support and the creation of new and effective competitive models – these are just some of the subjects dealt with on the aforementioned master’s degrees and courses, each of which has a specific focus. Students will be able to choose the programme best suited to their interests and career path, enrolling on one of the seven different programmes.

Our courses are specifically designed to meet the needs of working participants who want to deepen their knowledge and specialise in a branch of this profession, but they are also aimed at full-time students who are interested in becoming Chief Data Officers. A team of teachers and industry experts will accompany you during lessons, supporting theoretical study with practice applied directly in the field.

Competitiveness, flair, creativity, resourcefulness, leadership, how to analyse data and how to implement functional strategies are just some of the things you will learn during the master’s degrees and courses offered by Bologna Business School, with some programmes offering a specific focus on cyber security – the much debated backbone of company business.