#United States #Cambridge #Ferrovial #CIO Leadership Award #MIT Sloan Symposium

Recognition of Excellence in CIO Leadership

The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium has announced the finalists for the highly coveted 2025 CIO Leadership Award, which recognizes visionary Chief Information Officers (CIOs) who excel in leveraging technology to drive business success. The announcement was made on April 23, 2025, and came alongside the excitement of the upcoming Symposium, which celebrates leadership in the evolving IT landscape.

For nearly 18 years, this award has been a benchmark for outstanding leadership in the use of information technology across organizations. It identifies CIOs who not only embrace innovation but also ensure that their strategies align with broader business objectives. The selected finalists this year are:

• - Dimitris Bountolos, Chief Information and Innovation Officer at Ferrovial
• - Monica Caldas, Global Chief Information Officer at Liberty Mutual
• - Bill Pappas, Head of Global Technology and Operations at MetLife

Driving Innovation and Business Value

Dr. George Westerman, Co-Chair of the Award, expressed his enthusiasm about this year’s nominees, stating, “These exceptional leaders are driving innovation and delivering significant, real-world impact within their organizations and the industry at large.”

Profiles of the Finalists

Dimitris Bountolos emphasized the importance of viewing digital transformation as a cultural shift rather than a mere project. Under his leadership, Ferrovial focuses on utilizing technology to not only enhance infrastructure but also to benefit communities and economies significantly. “Being recognized as a finalist for the MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Award underscores our commitment to leveraging technology for smarter, faster, and greener infrastructure,” he noted.

Monica Caldas echoed similar sentiments, viewing technology as a strategic advantage that enhances value for organizations and stakeholders alike. She mentioned, “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of all 40,000 employees at Liberty Mutual who harness technology as a competitive differentiator.” Caldas's approach combines robust IT management with innovative solutions to meet customer needs effectively.

Bill Pappas, highlighting the impact of collaboration, stated, “This acknowledgement is a testament to the innovative work and dedication of our entire team at MetLife.” Pappas's leadership focuses on creating long-term value while embodying the company's purpose through dedicated employee engagement and innovative IT strategies.

The Criteria for Selection

The finalists were selected after a rigorous review process by a panel consisting of seasoned CIOs, IT professionals, and academic researchers. The judging criteria include exceptional communication skills, recognized leadership in IT, the ability to drive business value, and being a trusted partner within the executive team. These criteria derive from insights shared in the award-winning book The Real Business of IT, which captures the essence of what CIO leadership entails.

Event Details

The finalists will be formally acknowledged during an exclusive dinner at the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium on May 19, 2025. Furthermore, they will participate in panel discussions sharing their insights on the following day, enriching the Symposium programming. This year's event aims to provide a deeper understanding of CIO leadership within the dynamic landscape of business technology.

To register for the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium, visit MIT Sloan CIO Symposium Registration.

About the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium

The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium serves as a premier global platform for CIOs and digital business executives, aimed at enhancing their leadership capabilities. Offering a unique blend of academic thought leadership and practical insights, the Symposium is organized by the MIT Sloan Boston Alumni Association, fostering collaboration and innovation among industry leaders. For more details, visit MIT CIO.