Top 30 Female Chief Information Officers (CIOs) [2026]
Female corporate leaders are moving into the Chief Information Officer seat faster than into many other C-suite roles. Women may lead only 11% of Fortune 500 companies, but they already represent roughly 28% of IT leadership overall—and about 15% of CIO/CTO positions in NASDAQ-100 tech firms. The gap is real, yet the trajectory is clear. The CIO remit is expanding too: 85% of executives now view the CIO as a pivotal change maker, and compensation rose 15–30% last year as boards tied the role to AI, cybersecurity, and growth. In short, technology stewardship has shifted from back-office plumbing to core enterprise strategy.
Against that backdrop, the female CIOs in this list are rewriting playbooks across banking, biotech, retail, energy, and heavy industry. They’re commercializing data, scaling cloud and AI, fortifying cyber defenses, and nurturing inclusive, future-ready tech cultures—proving that IT leadership is gender-agnostic and impact-driven. In this Digitaldefynd feature, we spotlight 30 of the world’s most influential female Chief Information Officers who are not only running technology organizations but shaping corporate strategy and mentoring the next wave of tech leaders.
Top 30 Female Chief Information Officers (CIOs) [2026]
| S.No. | Name | Current Role | Highest Education | Key Focus in Role |
| 1 | Cynthia Stoddard | SVP & CIO, Adobe | MBA (Marylhurst University) | Leads Adobe’s global IT and security strategy. |
| 2 | Penelope Prett | CIO, Accenture | M.A. (SUNY Stony Brook) | Drives Accenture’s tech innovation and digital strategy worldwide. |
| 3 | Melanie Kalmar | CDO & CIO, Dow Inc. | B.S. (Central Michigan Univ.) | Leads Dow’s enterprise digital transformation: digital twins, AI/analytics, cloud-first ERP |
| 4 | Jen Felch | CIO & CDO, Dell Technologies | MBA (MIT) | Heads Dell’s IT modernization and digital transformation initiatives. |
| 5 | Susan Doniz | Global CIO, Boeing | B.A.Sc. (Univ. of Toronto) | Oversees Boeing’s digital innovation and IT operations globally. |
| 6 | Meerah Rajavel | CIO, Palo Alto Networks | MBA (Santa Clara Univ.) | Leads IT, security, and cloud operations at the cybersecurity firm. |
| 7 | Lori Beer | Global CIO, JPMorgan Chase | B.S. (Univ. of Dayton) | Manages JPMorgan’s vast tech organization (60k+ technologists) and $17B IT budget. |
| 8 | Jae Sook Evans | Global CIO, Oracle | MBA (Golden Gate Univ.) | Heads Oracle’s enterprise IT and supports its cloud infrastructure platforms. |
| 9 | Jane Connell | SVP & CIO, Verizon | B.S. (Rider Univ.) | Leads Verizon’s corporate IT strategy across finance, HR, and core operations. |
| 10 | Lidia Fonseca | Chief Digital & Tech Officer, Pfizer | MBA (Erasmus Univ. – RSM) | Drives Pfizer’s digital transformation and data initiatives in healthcare. |
| 11 | Monica Caldas | EVP & Global CIO, Liberty Mutual | MBA (Penn State Univ.) | Guides Liberty Mutual’s global technology strategy and innovation in insurance. |
| 12 | Amy Jean Doherty | CIO & VP, World Bank Group | B.A. (Hamilton College) | Oversees the World Bank’s IT transformation to support its global development mission. |
| 13 | Rashmi Kumar | SVP & Global CIO, Medtronic | MBA (UC Irvine) | Leads Medtronic’s digital transformation in medical technology and operations. |
| 14 | Sabina Ewing | Global CIO & VP BTS, Abbott | M.S. (NYU) | Heads Abbott’s enterprise technology strategy and business & tech services. |
| 15 | Cindy Hoots | CDO & CIO, AstraZeneca | B.S. (DeVry Institute) | Drives AstraZeneca’s digital strategy, data analytics, and IT operations globally. |
| 16 | Annette Hamann | CIO & MD BSS IT, Beiersdorf | Ph.D. (Univ. of Göttingen) | Leads Beiersdorf’s IT and business solutions, enabling digital transformation in consumer goods. |
| 17 | Anne Carrigy | CIO, Logitech | B.A. (Univ. College Cork) | Oversees Logitech’s global IT organization and infrastructure across 10+ countries. |
| 18 | Rani Johnson | CIO, Workday | B.S. (Georgia Tech & Spelman) | Spearheads Workday’s internal IT strategy and integration of AI & analytics in enterprise systems. |
| 19 | Kristie Grinnell | SVP & CIO, DXC Technology | MBA (Cornell Univ.) | Leads DXC’s global IT services strategy and drives internal digital transformation and security. |
| 20 | Seemantini Godbole | EVP, CDO & CIO, Lowe’s | M.S. (Texas Tech Univ.) | Guides Lowe’s digital commerce platforms and IT operations in retail. |
| 21 | Alegra Kilstein | Global CIO, Amdocs | MBA (Tel Aviv Univ.) | Steers Amdocs’ IT excellence and drives innovation in telecom software solutions. |
| 22 | Michelle D. Greene | CIO, Cardinal Health | M.S. (Florida State Univ.) | Oversees Cardinal Health’s enterprise IT systems and drives digital process improvements in healthcare logistics. |
| 23 | Hanna Hennig | CIO, Siemens AG | Diploma (Univ. of Hanover) | Facilitates Siemens’ digitalization, aligning IT with industrial innovation. |
| 24 | Jamie Engstrom | SVP & CIO, Caterpillar | MBA (Bradley Univ.) | Leads Caterpillar’s global IT organization, enabling data-driven operations at the industrial giant. |
| 25 | Katrina Redmond | SVP & CIO, Eaton | M.S. (Southern Poly State Univ.) | Drives Eaton’s IT strategy, including major M&A technology integrations. |
| 26 | Grace Liu | SVP & CIO, Seagate Technology | B.Eng. (Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ.) | Oversees Seagate’s IT landscape and cloud-driven data management solutions. |
| 27 | Sally Miller | Global CIO, DHL Supply Chain | MBA (Univ. of Notre Dame) | Manages DHL Supply Chain’s global IT and automation initiatives in logistics. |
| 28 | Dawn Paquette | CIO, GE Aerospace | M.S. (Org. Leadership) | Leads GE Aerospace’s IT team, focusing on advanced manufacturing and 3D printing systems. |
| 29 | Cheryl Thomas | CIO & SVP, Valero Energy | B.S. (Cal State Fresno) | Oversees Valero’s IT and cyber operations, supporting complex refinery and supply chain systems. |
| 30 | Praniti Lakhwara | CIO, Zscaler | B.S. (Arizona State Univ.) | Guides Zscaler’s internal IT and cloud infrastructure while scaling the company’s SaaS offerings. |
Related: CIO Executive Programs
1. Cynthia Stoddard – Senior VP & CIO, Adobe Systems
Cynthia Stoddard is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Adobe, where she oversees the company’s global information technology strategy and internal cybersecurity programs. With over 25 years of industry experience, Stoddard is known for driving innovative IT solutions that support Adobe’s transformation into a cloud-based software provider. Before joining Adobe in 2016, she served as CIO at NetApp and Safeway, gaining deep expertise in aligning IT initiatives with business goals. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA, which have provided her with a strong foundation in both technology and finance.
At Adobe, Stoddard has championed the migration of enterprise systems to the cloud and the adoption of software-as-a-service (SaaS) models—a fitting move, given Adobe’s shift to cloud-based subscription offerings. She leads a global IT organization focused on enhancing operational efficiency and customer experiences through the application of data analytics and artificial intelligence. One of her major initiatives has been strengthening Adobe’s security posture and data privacy frameworks to protect creative assets and customer information. Outside of her day-to-day role, Cynthia Stoddard actively shares insights on LinkedIn and industry events, encouraging the next generation of women in technology.
2. Penelope Prett – CIO, Accenture
Penelope Prett serves as the Chief Information Officer of Accenture, a global consulting and IT services powerhouse. With more than 25 years at Accenture, Prett rose through the ranks to become CIO in 2019, bringing extensive experience in systems integration and client technology delivery. She is responsible for Accenture’s internal technology strategy, including the adoption of emerging technologies, the expansion of global innovation capabilities, and the enabling of new business models across the company’s operations. Prett’s leadership has been especially impactful in shifting Accenture’s workforce to succeed in remote and hybrid work environments – a challenge she embraced by rolling out collaboration tools and cloud platforms company-wide.
Penelope Prett’s academic background in English (B.A. from Hamilton College and an M.A. from Stony Brook University) is non-traditional for a CIO. Still, it has honed her communication and analytical skills. She combines this with deep technical acumen developed through decades of on-the-job experience. Under her direction, Accenture’s IT organization emphasizes agility and “cloud-first” principles, which proved vital when the firm rapidly pivoted to remote work for its ~700,000 employees worldwide. Prett also oversees Accenture’s investments in cybersecurity and data analytics, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of digital innovation. She is known for championing the use of automation and AI to improve productivity internally and often shares lessons learned with clients and industry peers.
3. Melanie Kalmar – Corporate VP, Chief Digital Officer & CIO, Dow Inc.
Melanie Kalmar serves as Chief Digital Officer and CIO at Dow, the global materials science company. With Dow since 1987, she was appointed CIO in 2016 and later expanded her remit to CDO, reflecting her dual focus on enterprise IT and digital business innovation. Kalmar earned a B.S. in Management Information Systems from Central Michigan University and completed executive programs at Harvard Business School. She leads Dow’s end-to-end digital transformation, modernizing ERP and manufacturing execution systems, migrating workloads to cloud platforms, and deploying advanced analytics and AI to enhance plant reliability, product quality, and customer experience.
Notably, Kalmar’s team built digital twins of Dow’s production assets and launched self-service data platforms that empower both engineers and marketers. She champions cybersecurity resilience across Dow’s globally distributed plants and supply chains. Kalmar is also a strong proponent of inclusive leadership, sponsoring employee resource groups and initiatives to increase female representation in tech and operations.
Related: CIO Roles & Responsibilities
4. Jen Felch – CIO & Chief Digital Officer, Dell Technologies
Jen Felch is the Chief Information Officer and Chief Digital Officer at Dell Technologies, a dual role in which she directs Dell’s overall IT strategy while also spearheading digital transformation initiatives across the company. She assumed this combined position in 2019, reflecting Dell’s commitment to infuse digital innovation into every facet of its operations. Felch leads “Dell Digital,” the internal IT organization, and has been a driving force behind simplifying and automating processes, adopting agile development methodologies, and fostering a data-driven culture at Dell.
With an educational background in engineering – including Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and an MBA as part of MIT’s Leaders for Global Operations program – Jen Felch brings strong analytical and problem-solving skills to the CIO role. Earlier in her career, she worked as an engineer at Boeing and in software startups, and later held leadership positions in supply chain and operations at Dell. This diverse experience helps her bridge technical solutions with business needs. Among Felch’s key accomplishments is dramatically improving Dell’s order fulfillment systems and customer experience through IT, leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning. She is also responsible for Dell’s global cybersecurity, enterprise applications, and infrastructure. As CDO, Felch acts as a change agent within Dell, championing a culture of continuous innovation and upskilling employees in digital technologies.
5. Susan Doniz – Global CIO, The Boeing Company
Susan Doniz is the Global Chief Information Officer of Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company, where she also serves as Senior Vice President of Information & Technology. Appointed in 2020, Doniz leads Boeing’s IT strategy, systems, and security across its commercial, defense, and services divisions. She also serves as Boeing’s Data Analytics Officer, reflecting her responsibility for leveraging data and analytics to drive innovation. Susan Doniz is one of the most high-profile technology leaders in the aviation industry, known for promoting agile digital solutions and strengthening Boeing’s core operations through tech.
An honors graduate in Applied Science and Engineering from the University of Toronto, Doniz built a global career across multiple sectors before joining Boeing. She was previously Group CIO of Qantas Airways in Australia, CIO for Procter & Gamble’s Latin America region, and held IT leadership roles at SAP and Aimia. This international experience prepared her to manage Boeing’s vast IT ecosystem. At Boeing, Doniz has championed cloud adoption, improved collaboration platforms for engineering teams, and enhanced cybersecurity defenses to protect sensitive aerospace data. She leads a global team tasked with modernizing Boeing’s software development practices (including DevOps and agile) and implementing digital twin and IoT technologies in manufacturing. Susan Doniz is also recognized for her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; she actively mentors women in STEM and has engaged with nonprofit organizations to broaden opportunities in tech.
6. Meerah Rajavel – CIO, Palo Alto Networks
Meerah Rajavel is the Chief Information Officer of Palo Alto Networks, a global cybersecurity leader. Appointed in 2022, she is responsible for all aspects of the company’s information technology strategy and operations, ensuring that Palo Alto Networks’ internal systems are as cutting-edge and secure as the solutions it provides to clients. Rajavel’s role includes oversight of the company’s IT infrastructure, enterprise applications, information security, and cloud services – essentially serving as both CIO and an internal customer of Palo Alto’s security products. With nearly three decades of experience in the tech industry, Meerah has held leadership roles at Citrix (as CIO), McAfee, Cisco, and Forcepoint, bringing a wealth of expertise in enterprise software and cybersecurity.
Born and educated in India, Meerah Rajavel earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science & Engineering from Thiagarajar College of Engineering (affiliated with Anna University) and later obtained an MBA from Santa Clara University in California. She frequently speaks about the importance of agility and continuous learning in the IT industry. At Palo Alto Networks, Rajavel is leading a comprehensive strategy to scale the company’s IT systems while maintaining agility—a crucial approach as the company experiences rapid growth. She has implemented cloud-first initiatives, improved the use of data analytics internally, and strengthened the company’s cyber defenses (making Palo Alto Networks a showcase of best practices for customers). Meerah is also a visible advocate for women in technology, regularly posting thought leadership on the rise of women in tech, future cybersecurity trends, and mentorship.
Related: Important CIO KPIs
7. Lori Beer – Global CIO, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Lori Beer is the Global Chief Information Officer of JPMorgan Chase, one of the world’s largest banking institutions. In this role, which she has held since 2017, Beer oversees an immense technology portfolio – managing over 50,000 technologists and a yearly tech budget exceeding $11 billion (recently reported as $12–17 billion). She is responsible for the firm’s global technology systems and infrastructure, encompassing consumer banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth management, and other areas. Under Lori Beer’s leadership, JPMorgan has aggressively pursued innovation in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, while maintaining a robust cybersecurity framework for its global financial network.
Lori Beer’s background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Dayton and over three decades of IT experience in both finance and healthcare. Before joining JPMorgan Chase in 2014, she served as the CIO of WellPoint (now Anthem), a large health insurance company. This diverse experience gave her insight into running technology at scale in highly regulated industries. At JPMorgan, Beer has driven a massive cloud migration (partnering with public cloud providers while also building internal cloud capabilities), and she has been vocal about the responsible use of AI in finance. Notably, under her tenure, JPMorgan developed its AI-powered predictive analytics and is exploring blockchain for trading and payments. Lori Beer also serves on the company’s Operating Committee, reflecting the strategic importance of technology at the bank. She has been recognized among American Banker’s “Most Powerful Women in Banking” for leveraging tech to drive business results.
8. Jae Sook Evans – Global CIO, Oracle Corporation
Jae Sook Evans is the Global Chief Information Officer at Oracle Corporation, where she also serves as Executive Vice President within Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). Evans is responsible for managing Oracle’s internal IT systems and digital platforms, as well as contributing to the strategy of Oracle’s cloud services. She joined Oracle in 2020, bringing a rich background from Silicon Valley: Evans previously led cloud infrastructure and technology teams at companies such as Walmart Labs, Cisco, and Bechtel. She is recognized for her expertise in cloud computing and for championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the tech industry – she serves as an executive sponsor for Oracle’s diversity initiatives.
Jae Sook Evans earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and later an MBA from Golden Gate University. Her unconventional path (from political science into technology) and her ability to speak multiple languages underscore a globally minded approach to leadership. At Oracle, Evans oversees a vast array of IT functions – from enterprise applications (like Oracle’s own ERP and HR systems) to collaboration tools and cybersecurity for the company’s 140,000 employees. A major focus of her role is to ensure that Oracle itself is a showcase of the power of Oracle Cloud. She has led the internal migration of systems to Oracle’s Gen2 Cloud and enhanced the utilization of data analytics to inform decision-making within the company. Jae Sook Evans also plays a key role in shaping Oracle’s customer-facing cloud offerings, drawing on her insights from running internal IT. She mentors women in technology and frequently speaks about inclusive leadership.
9. Jane Connell – SVP & CIO, Verizon
Jane Connell is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Verizon, one of the world’s leading telecommunications companies. As CIO, she oversees Verizon’s enterprise IT organization, which includes responsibility for the systems supporting finance, human resources, supply chain, and other corporate functions. Connell also drives the digital transformation efforts inside Verizon, ensuring that the company’s internal operations keep pace with the cutting-edge network technologies Verizon deploys for its customers. She joined Verizon in 2017 and has since led large-scale initiatives to modernize IT infrastructure and streamline business processes through automation.
With over 25 years of experience in technology leadership, Jane Connell’s career spans multiple industries. Before Verizon, she served as CIO of Thomson Reuters’ Risk business and as CIO for State Street Bank’s corporate technology, among other roles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Management from Rider University. Connell’s broad experience in financial services and media/technology companies gave her a strong foundation in managing complex, data-intensive systems. At Verizon, she has been instrumental in implementing cloud-based applications (like moving ERP and finance systems to the cloud) and in adopting advanced analytics to improve decision-making. During the pandemic, Connell’s team quickly enabled remote work capabilities for thousands of employees and retail operations—an effort that Verizon credits for maintaining service continuity. She also emphasizes cybersecurity, ensuring Verizon’s internal networks and data are secure in the face of evolving threats. Jane Connell is known as a collaborative leader, working closely with Verizon’s business units to align IT projects with strategic goals.
Related: How to Become a Chief Information Officer?
10. Lidia Fonseca – Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Pfizer Inc.
Lidia Fonseca is the Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Pfizer, where she leads the pharmaceutical giant’s digital strategy, technology infrastructure, and data analytics initiatives. In this capacity, equivalent to a CIO role, Fonseca oversees all internal technology operations and the use of digital tools in drug discovery, clinical trials, manufacturing, and customer engagement. She joined Pfizer in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, and her leadership in digital innovation became pivotal as Pfizer raced to develop and distribute its vaccine. Fonseca’s work has enabled greater use of real-time data and AI in research, as well as more efficient supply chain and distribution systems for Pfizer’s products.
Lidia Fonseca’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from the Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University in the Netherlands. She also obtained a Master’s in Business Informatics, reflecting her blend of business and IT expertise. Fonseca has a diverse career, having previously served as CIO at Quest Diagnostics and as an executive at LabCorp, which provides her with deep experience in healthcare technology and big data. At Pfizer, Lidia Fonseca has championed the idea of “Digital Science”: implementing platforms that allow researchers to collaborate globally and analyze experiments with advanced computing (for example, using cloud-based analytics to sift through vast genomic datasets). She played a key role in establishing Pfizer’s mRNA digital workflow, which accelerated the development of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, Fonseca drives digital engagement with patients and healthcare providers – such as developing apps and tools to support vaccine education and track medication usage. She has been recognized in the industry for her forward-looking use of data as “the new oil” in healthcare.
11. Monica Caldas – EVP and Global CIO, Liberty Mutual Insurance
Monica Caldas is the Executive Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer at Liberty Mutual Insurance, a Fortune 100 insurance company. She assumed the global CIO role in 2022, following her tenure as Deputy CIO, and is responsible for Liberty Mutual’s technology strategy across both personal and commercial insurance lines. Caldas oversees thousands of IT professionals worldwide, managing everything from core insurance systems and claims processing platforms to customer-facing digital channels. She is a champion of using technology to improve customer experiences and operational efficiency in the insurance industry. Under her leadership, Liberty Mutual has invested in cloud migration, AI for claims automation, and data analytics for risk assessment and management.
Monica Caldas holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Connecticut and an MBA from Pennsylvania State University. She spent 17 years at General Electric (GE) before joining Liberty Mutual, serving as CIO in several GE business units (including Transportation and Fleet Services). This tenure at GE exposed her to diverse business challenges and earned her industry recognition (she was named a Top 100 Hispanic IT Leader and won a 2020 Boston “CIO of the Year” award). At Liberty Mutual, Caldas has made significant strides in unifying the company’s global IT architecture – breaking down silos so that innovations can be shared across markets. For example, her team deployed advanced telematics and mobile apps for auto insurance customers to monitor driving behavior, and they implemented machine learning models to streamline underwriting and detect fraud. Monica Caldas also emphasizes talent development; she has created programs to upskill employees in agile methods and cloud technologies, building a culture of continuous learning within her teams. She is actively involved in mentoring women and minorities in the tech industry, aligning with Liberty’s commitment to diversity.
12. Amy Jean Doherty – CIO and VP of Information & Technology Solutions, World Bank Group
Amy Jean Doherty is the Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Information & Technology Solutions at the World Bank Group, a large international financial institution focused on global development. She assumed this role in October 2023, taking responsibility for the World Bank’s overall IT strategy, technology infrastructure, and digital innovation efforts to support its mission in developing countries. In this capacity, Doherty oversees the systems that enable the World Bank’s financial operations (like managing loans and grants), data analytics platforms that inform development research, and the cybersecurity measures that protect the Bank’s information. She is also tasked with leveraging technology to improve the efficiency and transparency of the Bank’s programs worldwide.
Amy Doherty’s career prior to joining the World Bank was marked by leadership in both the nonprofit and private sectors. Notably, she served as the interim CIO and then as the permanent CIO at AARP (a major U.S. nonprofit), where she led the significant modernization of legacy systems and introduced new digital member services. She also held IT leadership roles at telecommunications and education organizations. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamilton College. Doherty is recognized as a seasoned technology leader with strengths in large-scale transformation, information security, and operational resilience. At the World Bank, one of her immediate priorities has been to continue the Bank’s shift to cloud-based solutions, enhancing collaboration among its offices in over 100 countries. She’s also focused on utilizing data and AI to monitor project outcomes more effectively – for instance, applying data analytics to track the real-time impact of poverty reduction programs. Amy Doherty places importance on user experience, ensuring that World Bank staff and partners have modern, intuitive tools for their work (from mobile apps for field officers to improved knowledge management systems for economists).
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13. Rashmi Kumar – SVP and Global CIO, Medtronic plc
Rashmi Kumar is the Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer at Medtronic, the world’s largest medical device company. Since joining Medtronic in early 2021, Kumar has been leading the company’s IT strategy and digital transformation efforts, focusing on how technology can enhance Medtronic’s product innovation, manufacturing, and customer support in the healthcare space. She oversees a global IT team and is responsible for critical systems that support various operations, including R&D, clinical trials, supply chain, and sales. Rashmi Kumar’s leadership has been pivotal as Medtronic increasingly incorporates digital capabilities (like remote monitoring and data analytics) into its medical devices and therapies.
Rashmi Kumar holds a bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from BIT Sindri in India and an MBA from the University of California, Irvine. Her 30-year career includes high-profile CIO and CTO roles at Fortune 50 companies across multiple industries: she has led IT at McKesson (healthcare), Southern California Edison (utility), Toyota (automotive), and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (technology). This breadth makes her adept at driving large-scale change. At Medtronic, Kumar is championing the use of advanced analytics and AI to improve manufacturing yield and product quality (e.g., using machine learning to predict equipment maintenance in Medtronic’s factories). She is also steering the implementation of modern ERP systems to harmonize operations after Medtronic’s numerous acquisitions, and enhancing cybersecurity protocols given the growing connectivity of medical devices (cybersecurity is crucial to ensure patient safety). Rashmi Kumar is recognized for her resilient leadership style, often sharing her journey of transitioning between countries and industries, which emphasizes adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning. She actively mentors young professionals and advocates for more women in tech leadership, reflecting her role as a trailblazer in the field.
14. Sabina Ewing – Global CIO and VP, Business & Technology Services, Abbott Laboratories
Sabina Ewing is the Global Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Business & Technology Services (BTS) at Abbott Laboratories, a multinational healthcare and medical devices company. Promoted to this role in early 2024, Ewing provides executive leadership over Abbott’s technology strategy and the delivery of IT capabilities across the enterprise. She is charged with ensuring that Abbott’s diverse business units (spanning diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals) have the digital tools and data insights needed to innovate and operate efficiently. Sabina Ewing’s responsibilities also include Abbott’s overall IT policy and governance, cybersecurity, and the execution of large technology programs that drive business growth.
Sabina Ewing’s educational background and career have equipped her well for this role. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce (with concentrations in Management Information Systems and Finance) from the University of Virginia and a Master of Science in Management and Systems from New York University. She built her career at Pfizer, where she held multiple IT leadership positions over 26 years – culminating as Global Head of Business Technology for a major division. During her tenure at Pfizer, she oversaw large-scale SAP deployments and spearheaded initiatives for data analytics in manufacturing. Ewing joined Abbott in 2020 as a CIO for a division and quickly demonstrated her ability to lead enterprise-wide transformations. At Abbott, Sabina Ewing has been instrumental in accelerating the adoption of digital solutions, including the implementation of advanced automation and robotic process automation (RPA) in Abbott’s manufacturing and supply chain processes. She also led the IT integration for Abbott’s rapid development of COVID-19 testing platforms, which required swift collaboration between R&D and IT to deliver new diagnostic tools globally. Sabina is passionate about building a diverse talent pipeline; she co-leads programs aimed at attracting more women and minorities into STEM careers, and she’s involved with organizations like Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering.
15. Cindy Hoots – Chief Digital Officer & CIO, AstraZeneca Plc
Cindy Hoots is the Chief Digital Officer and Chief Information Officer at AstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical company. Holding this dual role since January 2020, Hoots is responsible for both developing AstraZeneca’s digital strategy and overseeing the company’s worldwide IT operations. She directs initiatives that utilize technology to accelerate drug discovery, enhance clinical trial efficiency, optimize manufacturing, and improve patient engagement. As CDO & CIO, Cindy Hoots sits at the intersection of science and technology, ensuring that AstraZeneca harnesses data and digital tools (such as AI for drug target identification or blockchain for supply chain transparency) to gain a competitive edge in the pharmaceutical industry.
Cindy Hoots’ background is rooted in information systems and business. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from DeVry Institute of Technology and built an extensive career in IT leadership across various sectors. Before joining AstraZeneca, she held senior technology roles at companies such as Unilever and British American Tobacco, gaining expertise in global supply chains and consumer goods, and she was also a technology executive at Amazon. This blend of experiences gave her a unique perspective on innovation and customer focus, which she has brought into healthcare. At AstraZeneca, Hoots quickly became a driving force behind modernizing the company’s infrastructure – for example, moving to cloud platforms for research collaboration and deploying advanced analytics in clinical data management. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a key role in enabling the rapid analysis of clinical trial data and scaling the IT systems to support the development and distribution of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. Cindy Hoots is also leading efforts to embed digital tools into AstraZeneca’s interactions with healthcare providers and patients, such as developing apps that help patients manage conditions using AstraZeneca medications. She is recognized for fostering a culture of innovation and agility within the traditionally conservative pharmaceutical IT environment.
Related: Pros and Cons of Being a CIO
16. Annette Hamann – CIO and Managing Director, Beiersdorf (BSS IT)
Dr. Annette Hamann is the Chief Information Officer of Beiersdorf AG, a German personal-care company best known for its brands, including NIVEA. She also serves as Managing Director of Beiersdorf Shared Services (BSS) IT, which indicates her expanded role in managing IT as a shared service across the global organization. With a strong international background, Hamann leads Beiersdorf’s IT strategy, focusing on digital transformation in the consumer goods industry – from modernizing e-commerce and supply chain systems to enabling data-driven marketing and consumer insights. She ensures that Beiersdorf’s IT infrastructure supports its operations across over 150 affiliates worldwide, striking a balance between efficiency and innovation in an industry rapidly moving towards personalized consumer engagement.
Annette Hamann’s academic credentials are exceptional: she holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics, as well as bachelor’s degrees in Macroeconomics and Sinology (Chinese studies) from the University of Göttingen in Germany. This multidisciplinary education reflects her analytical prowess and cultural breadth. Hamann’s career includes leadership roles in IT and digital strategy in various global companies. Before joining Beiersdorf in 2019, she served as the CIO at Bosch Power Tools and held IT strategy roles at other manufacturing companies, gaining experience in aligning IT with product development and production. At Beiersdorf, one of Dr. Hamann’s key initiatives has been implementing a unified digital platform for NIVEA’s direct-to-consumer sales and marketing. She oversaw the deployment of advanced analytics to parse consumer feedback across markets, thus helping the business tailor products and marketing campaigns to regional preferences. Internally, Annette Hamann is modernizing Beiersdorf’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and migrating them to cloud-based solutions to enhance agility and scalability. She also emphasizes cybersecurity and data privacy, particularly in light of European regulations and the trust consumers place in brands like NIVEA. Fluent in multiple languages (German, English, and Chinese), Hamann fosters clear communication in Beiersdorf’s global IT projects and often highlights the importance of cultural understanding in implementing technology solutions worldwide.
17. Anne Carrigy – CIO, Logitech International
Anne Carrigy is the Chief Information Officer of Logitech, the Swiss-American manufacturer of computer peripherals and software. A veteran of Logitech for over three decades, Carrigy was appointed CIO in 2022 and leads a global IT organization spanning more than 10 countries. She is responsible for Logitech’s overall IT strategy, encompassing the infrastructure that supports product development, manufacturing, and worldwide sales operations. Carrigy’s deep company knowledge (she joined Logitech in 1990) has been invaluable in driving digital transformation in a company that has grown from a niche peripherals maker into a diverse consumer electronics firm.
Anne Carrigy’s educational path includes studying in Ireland and Germany. She earned a degree in Marketing from Munster Technological University in Ireland and also studied German at Bielefeld University in Germany. She later completed a Bachelor of Arts at University College Cork. Carrigy’s extensive career at Logitech saw her progress through roles in sales, distribution, and IT, providing her with a well-rounded perspective on how technology can enhance business processes. As CIO, she has prioritized the modernization of Logitech’s internal systems, including the implementation of cloud-based enterprise applications and enhancements to the company’s e-commerce and supply chain platforms. Under her leadership, Logitech has embraced more data analytics to respond swiftly to consumer demand trends (crucial in an era when remote work and gaming have spiked demand for Logitech’s webcams, mice, and keyboards). Anne Carrigy is also passionate about cybersecurity; she’s strengthened defenses to protect Logitech’s intellectual property and customer data amid increasing cyber threats. Known as a “people-first” leader, Carrigy focuses on enhancing the user experience for employees by utilizing better collaboration tools and fostering a culture of innovation. She actively promotes gender equality at Logitech – notable is that Logitech’s CEO, Hanneke Faber, is also a woman, and together they highlight the value of diverse leadership.
18. Rani Johnson – CIO, Workday Inc.
Rani Johnson is the Chief Information Officer at Workday, a leading provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources. Taking on the CIO role in 2023, Johnson oversees the internal technology that runs Workday’s business, including its deployment of Workday products (as Workday often touts itself as “Customer Zero” for its software). She is responsible for Workday’s global IT infrastructure, business applications, cybersecurity, and the adoption of new technologies to support the company’s growth and innovation. Additionally, Rani Johnson plays a key role in guiding Workday’s internal use of AI and machine learning, ensuring the company serves as a model for the modern, data-driven workplace it advocates to its clients.
Rani Johnson’s background is notable for her dual degrees and broad industry experience. She earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Engineering – a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a B.S. in General Engineering from Spelman College, via a partnership program. She has over 25 years of experience in technology roles, including serving as CIO at companies such as TIBCO and SolarWinds. This blend of experiences in enterprise software and IT operations prepared her to understand both the technology Workday builds and the practical needs of IT organizations. At Workday, Rani Johnson has been focusing on improving internal processes through the very tools Workday sells. For example, she has championed the use of Workday’s analytics and planning modules internally to enhance decision-making in finance and HR. She’s also overseeing the company’s migration of certain services to a mix of Workday’s cloud and public clouds, ensuring performance and resiliency for Workday’s global workforce. Security is another focus: Johnson’s team continuously hardens Workday’s internal systems against threats, which is critical for maintaining customer trust. Known for her energetic and people-centric leadership style, Rani often emphasizes change management and the human side of digital transformation. She mentors young professionals, particularly encouraging women of color in STEM fields, drawing on her own experience as an African American woman in the field of engineering.
19. Kristie Grinnell – SVP & CIO, DXC Technology
Kristie Grinnell is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of DXC Technology, one of the world’s largest IT services and consulting companies. As DXC’s CIO from 2021 until late 2023, Grinnell was responsible for the technology powering DXC’s operations – effectively serving as the “IT leader for an IT company.” She managed DXC’s internal systems, global infrastructure, and cybersecurity, and also often interfaced with customers to share best practices. Under her leadership, DXC made significant strides in modernizing its internal IT, adopting new digital collaboration tools, and enhancing operational efficiencies, which in turn set an example for the solutions DXC implements for its clients. (Kristie Grinnell departed DXC in late 2023 to pursue another opportunity, but during her tenure, she significantly transformed DXC’s IT landscape.)
Kristie Grinnell holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from Cornell University’s Johnson School. This strong technical and business education, combined with her hands-on experience, made her an effective leader of DXC’s IT. Before joining DXC, she served as CIO and Vice President for General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), and earlier in her career, she held various IT leadership roles, including at PwC. Grinnell is widely recognized for her work in promoting diversity and inclusion; she was named among the “Women Who Mean Business” and often speaks about creating a culture of belonging in IT organizations. At DXC, Kristie Grinnell led a major initiative to consolidate and streamline the company’s sprawling IT systems that were inherited from the merger of CSC and HPE Enterprise Services (which formed DXC). She oversaw cloud migration projects, introduced more agile software development practices internally, and implemented enterprise analytics to give DXC executives better visibility into operations. Additionally, she prioritized improving the employee experience for DXC’s 130,000+ workforce – for instance, by deploying modern HR and collaboration platforms – knowing that a positive digital workplace would translate into better service for clients.
20. Seemantini Godbole – EVP, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Lowe’s Companies
Seemantini Godbole is the Executive Vice President, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Lowe’s, a Fortune 50 home improvement retail company. Joining Lowe’s in 2018, Godbole has since led Lowe’s digital transformation, overseeing both customer-facing digital initiatives and internal IT operations. Her role merges the responsibilities of a CIO with those of a digital business leader: she manages Lowe’s e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, and data analytics capabilities, as well as the core retail IT systems (point-of-sale, inventory, supply chain technologies, etc.) that keep the company’s over 1,700 stores running.
Seemantini Godbole has more than 25 years of global technology experience. She earned her Bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from VNIT Nagpur in India and a Master’s in Computer Science from Texas Tech University. Before Lowe’s, she held senior technology roles at Target (as a Vice President in Digital and Marketing Technology) and at Sabre, a travel technology company, which gave her deep expertise in e-commerce and large-scale transaction systems. At Lowe’s, Godbole has led the overhaul of the company’s online sales channel. Under her guidance, Lowe’s has greatly improved its website and online ordering system, contributing to double-digit growth in e-commerce sales. She also spearheaded the development of the Lowe’s mobile app for customers and handheld tools for store associates, creating a seamless omnichannel shopping experience. On the back end, Seemantini modernized Lowe’s supply chain and merchandising systems by introducing advanced analytics and better forecasting tools (for example, using machine learning to predict product demand and optimize inventory across stores and warehouses). Her leadership came at a crucial time, as the COVID-19 pandemic drove a surge in online home improvement shopping; Lowe’s digital platforms scaled impressively to meet this demand. Seemantini is also an advocate for using technology to improve workplace efficiency – Lowe’s has introduced robotic process automation in finance and HR under her tenure, freeing employees to focus on higher-value tasks.
21. Alegra Kilstein – Global CIO, Amdocs Ltd.
Alegra Kilstein is the Global Chief Information Officer at Amdocs, a multinational software and services company specializing in communications and media. As Amdocs’ CIO since 2019, Kilstein oversees the internal IT operations and enterprise digital strategy for a company with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. Importantly, Amdocs provides solutions to telecommunications companies. Hence, Alegra Kilstein ensures that Amdocs itself is a leader in adopting modern IT practices – effectively making the company a reference model for its telco clients. She manages everything from Amdocs’ internal business applications and network infrastructure to the use of advanced analytics and collaboration tools that support Amdocs teams in delivering projects to clients.
Born in Israel, Alegra Kilstein has forged an inspiring career path. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and later obtained an MBA from Tel Aviv University. She also completed an executive leadership program at Harvard Business School, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning. Kilstein has been with Amdocs for over a decade, holding various leadership roles, and previously worked at other tech firms, which has given her a strong foundation in software development and IT operations. As CIO, one of her notable achievements is driving Amdocs’ internal migration to cloud and SaaS solutions; for instance, she led the adoption of cloud-based CRM and knowledge management platforms to connect Amdocs’ global workforce better. She also prioritized the strengthening of cybersecurity, implementing zero-trust security frameworks company-wide to protect Amdocs’ and clients’ sensitive data. Alegra is an outspoken advocate for women in STEM – she mentors young women in Amdocs and is involved in community programs to encourage girls to pursue engineering and computer science. Under her guidance, Amdocs’ IT department also contributes to innovation: she has her team work closely with R&D to pilot Amdocs’ new products internally, providing feedback that helps improve offerings for customers.
22. Michelle D. Greene – CIO, Cardinal Health Inc.
Michelle D. Greene is the Chief Information Officer of Cardinal Health, a $180 billion healthcare services and distribution company. Appointed CIO in mid-2022, Greene leads the strategy and operation of Cardinal Health’s information technology systems, which are vital for distributing pharmaceuticals and medical products to pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics globally. She manages a broad IT portfolio including supply chain systems, customer ordering platforms, data analytics for healthcare insights, and the company’s cybersecurity program. In a highly regulated and time-sensitive industry, Michelle Greene’s role is crucial in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of systems that, for example, track and deliver medications to the right place at the right time.
Michelle Greene has a strong background in both business and technology. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University and a Master’s degree in Information Science from Florida State University. She also completed an executive program at The Wharton School. Before joining Cardinal Health, Greene was the CIO at Masco Corporation (a manufacturing firm) and held IT leadership roles at Johnson Controls and Bank of America. This diverse industry experience gave her expertise in large-scale ERP implementations, digital commerce, and operational excellence. At Cardinal Health, Michelle Greene quickly became known for her focus on modernizing legacy systems. She has been leading a multi-year upgrade of Cardinal’s core distribution and inventory management software to a cloud-based platform, improving scalability and enabling advanced analytics, such as predicting drug demand surges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her leadership was instrumental in scaling Cardinal Health’s ordering systems as healthcare providers rushed to secure PPE and other supplies – an effort that involved rapidly adapting e-commerce portals and enhancing supply chain visibility. Greene is also driving the use of data analytics to provide insights to customers (such as hospitals) about inventory levels and usage patterns, helping them reduce waste and save costs. Internally, she emphasizes building a culture of collaboration between IT and business units, ensuring that technology initiatives closely align with customer needs and requirements.
23. Hanna Hennig – Chief Information Officer, Siemens AG
Hanna Hennig is the Chief Information Officer of Siemens AG, the German multinational conglomerate and Europe’s largest industrial manufacturing company. Since assuming the CIO role in January 2020, Hennig has been guiding Siemens through a comprehensive digitalization journey, enabling the 175-year-old company to thrive in the era of Industry 4.0. She oversees a vast IT landscape that spans factory automation systems, global collaboration networks, enterprise applications, and emerging technologies such as IoT and AI, which are increasingly integrated into Siemens’ products and internal processes. Hanna Hennig’s mission is to ensure Siemens’ IT strategy is closely aligned with its business goals across divisions (Digital Industries, Smart Infrastructure, Mobility, Healthcare, etc.), thereby facilitating innovation and efficiency.
Hanna Hennig studied economics and Japanese studies at the University of Hanover in Germany, and she has built an impressive career spanning over 25 years in IT leadership. Before Siemens, she served as CIO at Osram Licht AG (a lighting manufacturer) and Telefonica O2 Germany, and she held top IT roles at companies like E.ON (energy) and Capgemini. Her cross-industry experience has made her adept at driving change in complex organizations. At Siemens, Hennig has been a key proponent of moving towards cloud solutions and “as-a-service” models for internal IT. She has driven the adoption of a company-wide digital platform that connects Siemens’ numerous factories and facilitates data sharing and automation – for instance, using IoT sensors and digital twin simulations in manufacturing to improve productivity. Under her leadership, Siemens’ IT team also rolled out advanced analytics and AI tools to support R&D and engineering departments, reflecting Siemens’ evolution into a more software-focused company. Hanna Hennig is passionate about agile ways of working; she introduced agile and DevOps practices at scale within Siemens IT, breaking down traditional silos. She also actively promotes continuous learning, urging her workforce to acquire new digital skills (cloud, AI, cybersecurity) to keep pace with technological changes. Despite Siemens’ size (over 300,000 employees), she has instilled a culture of startup-like innovation, for example, through hackathons and internal incubators for new ideas.
24. Jamie Engstrom – Senior VP & CIO, Caterpillar Inc.
Jamie L. Engstrom is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Caterpillar Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. With over 26 years at Caterpillar, Engstrom became CIO in 2018 and has since been responsible for the company’s global information services (GIS) division, as well as all aspects of its IT strategy. She leads a team of approximately 2,200 IT professionals worldwide, managing critical systems that support Caterpillar’s engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and dealer networks. Under her guidance, Caterpillar’s IT organization has played a central role in advancing the company’s digital capabilities, including telematics in machinery, e-commerce for parts sales, and data analytics for services such as predictive maintenance.
Jamie Engstrom holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Illinois State University and an MBA from Bradley University. She also completed the Women’s Executive Leadership Program at Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University) in 2018, reflecting her commitment to leadership development. Starting her career at Caterpillar in 1994, Engstrom assumed roles in finance and IT, gradually advancing through the ranks. This background gave her a deep understanding of Caterpillar’s business from multiple angles. As CIO, Engstrom spearheaded a major initiative to modernize Caterpillar’s legacy systems. She led the implementation of a global ERP consolidation, which unified many siloed systems into a cohesive platform—an effort crucial for real-time visibility of inventory and orders across Caterpillar’s vast dealer and distribution network. She has also driven the adoption of cloud computing and agile development practices at Caterpillar, making the IT function more responsive to business needs. A key focus for Jamie Engstrom has been leveraging data from the hundreds of thousands of connected Caterpillar machines in the field: her team works on the analytics platforms that process telematic data to provide value-added services (like advising customers on when to service equipment to avoid downtime). Moreover, she championed the creation of Caterpillar’s e-commerce channel for parts, improving the digital customer experience. Jamie Engstrom is also celebrated for her talent leadership; she’s active in mentoring and initiatives to attract more women to STEM careers, both within Caterpillar and through external organizations.
25. Katrina Redmond – SVP & CIO, Eaton Corporation
Katrina R. Redmond is Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Eaton Corporation, a global intelligent power management company. Since joining Eaton as CIO in mid-2022, Redmond has taken charge of the company’s comprehensive IT agenda, which includes digitally enabling Eaton’s diverse businesses (electrical components, industrial systems, vehicle and aerospace parts, etc.) and driving enterprise efficiency through technology. Katrina Redmond is recognized as a transformative leader – she was highlighted as one of the Top 50 Women CIOs of 2024 for her pivotal role in major mergers and acquisitions (M&A) integrations and divestitures during her career. For example, at Eaton, she plays a key part in integrating the IT systems of acquired businesses and extracting synergies, as well as streamlining Eaton’s operations with common global platforms.
Katrina Redmond holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Psychology from the University of Georgia, and a Master’s of Science in Industrial Engineering from Southern Polytechnic State University (now part of Kennesaw State). This mix of life sciences and engineering education, combined with her nearly two decades of experience at General Electric (GE) in various IT leadership roles, has given her a unique, analytical, and process-oriented approach. At GE, she served as CIO for divisions and was instrumental in significant transactions (the Women We Admire announcement notes her role in an $11 billion divestiture of GE Plastics and an $11 billion acquisition at GE). At Eaton, Katrina Redmond hit the ground running by focusing on enterprise data and systems consolidation. She has led the move to a single global ERP in certain Eaton divisions and is implementing a modern data analytics hub so that Eaton can better leverage data from its manufacturing operations and products in the field (many of which are increasingly IoT-enabled). Redmond is also passionate about improving the user experience; she initiated a company-wide program to simplify and standardize employee-facing IT services, thereby reducing complexity and increasing productivity. Additionally, she has prioritized cybersecurity upgrades across Eaton’s networks and products, which is highly important as Eaton’s electrical equipment and grids become more connected. In external engagements, Katrina often emphasizes the role of IT in sustainability – aligning with Eaton’s mission, she advocates using smart technologies and data to improve energy efficiency both within Eaton and for its customers.
26. Grace Liu – SVP & CIO, Seagate Technology
Grace Liu is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Seagate Technology, a leading data storage solutions company (known for hard drives and storage systems). Appointed CIO in 2017, Liu has global responsibility for Seagate’s IT strategy, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. She has been a key player in Seagate’s internal digital transformation, especially as the company navigates the shift from traditional disk drive manufacturing to broader data management and cloud storage services. Grace Liu’s purview includes supporting Seagate’s extensive manufacturing operations (with factories in multiple countries), as well as enabling the R&D and product development teams with advanced IT tools. She also oversees enterprise applications for business functions and spearheads the use of analytics for operational insights.
Grace Liu’s educational foundation was laid in China, where she earned dual bachelor’s degrees: one in Engineering (Technological Economics) and one in English, from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. She later pursued graduate studies in the United States (including at Carnegie Mellon University, as hinted by professional profiles). Her career spans roles in technology and business leadership; before joining Seagate, she worked at companies such as Oracle and Huawei, gaining exposure to both hardware and software domains. At Seagate, Grace Liu has championed initiatives to modernize IT infrastructure – for example, she led the migration of many on-premises data center workloads to a hybrid cloud environment, resulting in increased flexibility and cost efficiency. She also implemented advanced data analytics platforms internally, which have been crucial for Seagate’s yield improvement and quality control in manufacturing. One of her notable achievements is the development of an IoT and big data solution at Seagate’s factories: sensors on production lines feed data to a cloud analytics system that Liu’s team built, allowing real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance for equipment (minimizing downtime and defects). Additionally, Grace has enhanced Seagate’s digital collaboration by rolling out modern tools that connect engineering teams worldwide, thereby accelerating innovation. On the customer-facing side, her team worked on enhancing Seagate’s e-commerce and support portals to better serve enterprise clients. She places a strong emphasis on information security, ensuring that Seagate’s intellectual property – and the sensitive data of its clients – are safeguarded through robust cybersecurity practices.
27. Sally Miller – Global CIO, DHL Supply Chain
Sally Miller is the Global Chief Information Officer of DHL Supply Chain, the contract logistics division of Deutsche Post DHL. In her role, Miller manages the IT backbone of a massive logistics operation that spans warehouses, transportation fleets, and supply chain services in dozens of countries. She is responsible for deploying and maintaining systems that ensure efficient inventory management, order fulfillment, and delivery for DHL Supply Chain’s customers across various sectors, including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and others. Sally Miller also leads digital innovation initiatives to keep DHL at the forefront of logistics technology – such as warehouse automation, robotics, and data analytics for optimizing routes and operations.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Decision Sciences and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, Miller possesses a strong foundation in analytical and business education. She joined DHL in 2015 and was subsequently named North America CIO before being promoted to Global CIO. Before joining DHL, she spent over a decade at Whirlpool Corporation, where she held IT leadership roles that provided her with experience in managing complex supply chains and manufacturing IT systems. At DHL Supply Chain, Sally Miller significantly modernized the IT landscape. She oversaw the rollout of a standardized global warehouse management system (WMS) across many of DHL’s 1,500+ warehouses, which improved inventory accuracy and throughput. During the surge of e-commerce (especially in 2020–2021), her leadership ensured DHL’s fulfillment centers could scale quickly – implementing cloud-based solutions to handle peak loads (like holiday seasons or pandemic-driven demand spikes). Miller’s team also introduced cutting-edge technologies: for instance, they deployed autonomous mobile robots in some warehouses to assist workers in picking orders, and used computer vision to monitor warehouse operations for safety and efficiency. Under her guidance, DHL Supply Chain developed robust data analytics dashboards that provide real-time visibility of supply chain performance to clients – a key value-added service. Security is another area she strengthened, given the rise of cyber threats in the logistics sector; she championed advanced cybersecurity measures to protect DHL and its clients’ data. Sally Miller is known for her collaborative approach, working closely with operations managers and customers to tailor IT solutions to actual supply chain needs.
28. Dawn Paquette – CIO, GE Aerospace (General Electric Aerospace)
Dawn Paquette is the Chief Information Officer of GE Aerospace, the division of General Electric that produces aircraft engines and aerospace systems (formerly part of GE Aviation, now a standalone segment as GE reorganizes). She took on the CIO role for GE Aerospace in 2022, during a transformative period as GE prepared to spin off its aerospace business. Paquette leads the digital technology organization that supports GE’s design, manufacturing, and servicing of jet engines and aviation equipment. Her responsibilities span implementing advanced engineering software, smart factory technologies, and digital solutions for airlines’ engine maintenance – all critical for GE Aerospace’s productivity and customer service.
Dawn Paquette holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Miami University and a Master’s in Strategic and Organizational Leadership. She has over 20 years of experience in IT and operations leadership, including significant roles in the healthcare industry (such as Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield) and the aerospace sector. Before becoming CIO of GE Aerospace, Paquette was a senior IT leader within GE, overseeing IT for some of GE’s additive manufacturing and propeller businesses. In her current role, she focuses on leveraging technology to drive innovation in engine development and enhance operational efficiency. One of her key projects has been expanding the use of “digital thread” and “digital twin” concepts in engineering – linking every step of the design, testing, production, and field performance of an engine through unified data systems. This enables GE engineers to simulate engine behavior using digital twins and accurately predict maintenance needs. Paquette also leads the deployment of Industry 4.0 technologies in GE’s factories, including the use of IoT sensors on production equipment and AI-driven analytics to enhance quality and throughput. Under her guidance, GE Aerospace has continued to advance its customer-facing digital platform (like the engines’ health monitoring systems used by airlines) to provide real-time data and predictive diagnostics to airline customers, helping them minimize downtime. Dawn Paquette is also a champion of cultural change within IT – she sponsors GE’s women in technology initiatives and fosters a collaborative environment between IT and engineering teams.
29. Cheryl Thomas – SVP & CIO (CTO), Valero Energy Corporation
Cheryl Thomas is the Senior Vice President of Information Services and Chief Information Officer (often also noted as Chief Technology Officer) at Valero Energy Corporation, one of the world’s largest independent petroleum refining and marketing companies. As Valero’s top technology executive since 2015, Thomas oversees all IT operations, cybersecurity, and digital strategy for a company that runs 15 refineries and a massive logistics network across North America and the UK. She manages systems that control refining processes, ensure regulatory compliance, handle commodity trading, and support corporate functions. In addition, Cheryl Thomas leads Valero’s efforts to leverage technology for efficiency and safety, including advanced process control in refineries, data analytics for equipment maintenance, and IT solutions that streamline supply chain and retail operations.
Cheryl Thomas earned her degree in Business Administration (Quantitative Analysis) from California State University, Fresno, graduating magna cum laude. She has built an impressive tenure at Valero, joining the company in 1984 and advancing through roles from programming to executive leadership, which has given her a deep institutional knowledge of the energy business. Thomas became Valero’s CIO in 2012 and later took on additional responsibilities as SVP of Information Services and CTO. One of her notable accomplishments is guiding Valero’s continuous cybersecurity enhancements in an era of heightened threats to critical infrastructure. She has implemented robust network segmentation and monitoring to protect refinery control systems and has been a vocal advocate for industry collaboration on cyber defense. Under her leadership, Valero also upgraded its trading and risk management systems, giving the company better real-time visibility into market conditions and financial exposures. Cheryl Thomas drove the adoption of advanced analytics in refining operations – for example, using machine learning models to predict equipment failures or to optimize crude blending recipes for maximum yield and profit. She also oversaw the IT integration of several acquisitions as Valero expanded over the years, harmonizing systems so that new refineries quickly fit into Valero’s operating framework. Beyond operations, Cheryl has played a key role in Valero’s initiatives to adopt alternative energy and sustainability. Her team provides the data infrastructure that tracks emissions, energy efficiency, and supports Valero’s growing renewable fuels business.
30. Praniti Lakhwara – CIO, Zscaler Inc.
Praniti Lakhwara is the Chief Information Officer of Zscaler, a fast-growing cloud security company that provides secure access services for enterprises. Joining Zscaler as CIO in 2018, Lakhwara has led the effort to build a robust and scalable internal IT environment to support the company’s rapid growth, while also serving as an evangelist for the modern, cloud-based IT practices that Zscaler’s products enable. She oversees Zscaler’s internal business systems, IT infrastructure, and security – essentially ensuring that Zscaler “drinks its champagne” by utilizing cloud and Zero Trust security internally. Additionally, Praniti often interfaces with Zscaler’s customers and at industry events, sharing her insights on IT transformation and cloud adoption from a practitioner’s perspective.
Praniti Lakhwara holds a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Arizona State University. Her journey to the CIO role was unconventional – she began her career in aeronautics with the aspiration to become a pilot, but shifted into software development and IT, discovering a passion for technology leadership. Before joining Zscaler, she accumulated over two decades of experience at companies such as Cisco and Adobe, where she helped modernize IT operations. At Zscaler, Praniti Lakhwara has had a significant impact in several areas, leading the implementation of a new ERP system to streamline financial and order processes as the company scaled to serve Fortune 500 customers. She also championed data analytics and automation internally – for example, using Zscaler’s platform data to gain insights into IT usage patterns and proactively improve user experience. Cybersecurity is naturally a focus; under Praniti’s leadership, Zscaler has adopted a “Zero Trust” architecture across all its internal applications, eliminating traditional VPNs and using its cloud security stack to secure every user and device (an approach that became especially valuable when the workforce went remote). Lakhwara is known for promoting a culture of agility in IT – her team practices DevOps and rapid iteration, which aligns with the pace of a high-tech company. She has also built a strong IT-business partnership ethos, ensuring that each department at Zscaler has the tools and data it needs, whether it’s the sales team requiring real-time metrics or engineering needing robust collaboration platforms.
Conclusion
These 30 female CIOs embody strategic, tech-driven leadership. Drawing on backgrounds in engineering, analytics, and business, they’ve modernized core systems, scaled cloud and AI, secured global enterprises, and turned IT into a generator of revenue, insight, and customer value. Beyond operations, they champion diversity—mentoring talent, building inclusive cultures, and proving that top-tier IT leadership is gender-agnostic. Although women still hold a minority of Fortune 500 CIO seats, leaders like Cynthia Stoddard, Lori Beer, and Seemantini Godbole are reshaping the C-suite. As technology—from AI to quantum—becomes central to every strategy, its adaptive, learning mindset will only grow in influence. Ready to follow their path? Explore our recommended CIO courses to sharpen your strategic and technical edge.
