2026 Info-Tech Awards: Acknowledging IT Leadership and Innovation
The
2026 Info-Tech Awards have been unveiled by the Info-Tech Research Group, shining a spotlight on outstanding achievements in IT leadership and innovation. This year, a total of
68 recipients were honored from various sectors around the world, exemplifying the impact of effective technology leadership in modern business environments.
Overview of the Awards Program
The Info-Tech Awards program is renowned for recognizing excellence across diverse categories, including organizational transformation and individual leadership categories. The five award categories include:
1. Innovator of the Year
2. Women Leading IT
3. IT Transformation
4. IT Excellence
5. IT Impact
Each year, organizations and individuals are evaluated based on their contributions to the IT field, demonstrating commitment to operational enhancement, as well as fostering the future generation of IT leaders.
Innovator of the Year
The
Innovator of the Year Award shines a light on organizations implementing technology-driven solutions to resolve business challenges. Notable winners include:
- - First Student (USA)
- - General Dynamics Mission Systems (USA)
- - South East Water (APAC)
These organizations exemplify how technology can streamline processes and create new benchmarks for innovation in their respective industries.
Women Leading IT
The
Women Leading IT Award celebrates the fundamental contributions of women in technology and their ongoing endeavors to create inclusive workplaces. Distinguished honorees are:
- - Alisha Garrett, Chief Enterprise Strategy Officer, Utah Transit Authority
- - Hina Gandhi, Software Engineering Technical Leader, Cisco
These leaders are pivotal in mentoring future talent and advocating for diversity within the tech industry.
IT Transformation
The
IT Transformation Award acknowledges leaders who have driven strategic initiatives aligned with their organization’s goals. Recipients for 2026 include:
- - Sherif Youssef, VP, Enterprise Architect, Cathay Bank
- - David Blum, Chief Information Officer, United Wheels
Their innovative approaches highlight significant organizational improvements aligning with Info-Tech's CIO Playbook.
IT Excellence
Winners of the
IT Excellence Award have portrayed measurable advancements in IT processes and overall operational functionality. Noteworthy recipients are:
- - Daniel Christenson, Director IT Infrastructure, Kubota Tractor Corporation
- - Monique Sendze, CIO, California State University, Chico
Through their persistent efforts, these executives significantly improved their IT governance and management.
IT Impact
The
IT Impact Award honors individuals who have made considerable contributions to their organizations through effective technology deployment. This year’s honorees include:
- - AJ Grande, Sr. Director, Enterprise Technology, Suns Legacy Partners
- - Behzad Zamanian, Chief Information Officer, Washoe County, Nevada
Their leadership showcases the crucial role of IT in fostering innovation and performance across their respective sectors.
The Significance of the Awards
Info-Tech Research Group's Chief Global Services Officer,
Hannes Scheidegger, emphasizes the importance of demonstrating value through IT initiatives.