Also known as:
CTO
The role in brief:
The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is responsible for overseeing all the technical requirements of the agency. This role involves strategic planning, development, and implementation of technology initiatives that align with our business goals. The CTO leads the technology team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, scalable, and innovative solutions that enhance the agency’s capabilities. The role of CTO has evolved significantly over the years, driven by the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing importance of digital platforms.
Working with:
- Internal: Across the agency; Agency senior management, Account team, including planners/strategists; Creative teams and directors; Creative services and production staff; New business team; Finance Team. Global marketing teams as required.
- External: Vendors and suppliers, consultants and advisors, industry peers and networks, regulatory bodies. Also academic and research institutions. Often strategic partnerships with technology companies.
Responsible for:
- Developing and executing a comprehensive technology strategy that supports the agency’s business objectives and drives innovation. This involves constant scanning, awareness and evaluation of new developments in AI and other technologies which could be useful to the business - but balancing that with a realistic assessment of what is feasible.
- Leading and mentoring the technology team, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and excellence. Actively encouraging the team to update and extend their skillsets constantly.
- Arranging training and advice on emerging technology developments to managers and the rest of the agency – for example idea generating tools for creatives or AI efficiencies in systems for the Finance team.
- Identifying and implementing new technologies and platforms to enhance advertising solutions and maintain a competitive edge. Overseeing the development and deployment of new products and services, ensuring they meet market needs and quality standards.
- Ensuring the robustness, scalability, and security of the company’s IT infrastructure.
- Working closely with other executive team members to align technology initiatives with business goals and strategies. Increasing cross-functional collaboration is essential for implementing AI-driven strategies successfully.
- Managing the technology budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions and optimal resource allocation.
- Ensuring that all technology practices are compliant with relevant regulations and industry standards. Ensuring data privacy and protecting the agency against external AI-related threats to data security.
Those who succeed are...
- Proficient in a broad range of technologies, including software development, systems architecture and emerging technologies like machine learning and AI.
- Experienced in overseeing the development and deployment of new technical products and services. Strong problem-solving capabilities are vital to address both technical and human challenges.
- Able to understand data analytics, data security and data privacy. Skilled at communicating this knowledge to non-technical staff with clarity.
- Collaborative problem solvers who can work closely with others across the agency to make sure that technology initiatives support the overall business objectives.
- Creative and forward-thinking. Adept at picking up new concepts and skills rapidly as well as the ability to proactively research and find out information.
Where they come from, and where they go…
They will normally have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. This will be augmented by regular updating of certifications on specific technologies and products. They will usually have proven experience as a CTO or in a similar leadership role within the advertising, tech or related industries. Previous experience as a specialist engineer or full-stack developer is usual. They will have demonstrated excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills and have experience of product development, project management, and agile methodologies.
They will usually move on to similar but larger, perhaps global, roles or senior positions in major technology providers such as Amazon or Google.