Why Tomorrow's Tech Leaders Must Be Part Strategist, Part CFO, and Part Parent

Anand Srinivasan, CIO at Akasa Air, redefined the CIO's role as far more than technology; it's about strategy, cost discipline, and leadership.

- By Musharrat Shahin | [e-mail]

“IN TODAY’S boardrooms, the CIO isn’t just the tech guy anymore.

You're a strategist, a financial steward, a negotiator, and sometimes even a parent who must say no when everyone else wants a yes,” said Anand Srinivasan, Co-founder and CIO of Akasa Air, during his keynote session.

With humor, candor, and sharp insights, Srinivasan unpacked the evolving role of the CIO, drawing from his own journey in aviation and beyond. His message was clear: success in the digital age is no longer about coding prowess alone; it’s about vision, fiscal prudence, and people management.

The Expanding Role of the CIO

Gone are the days when CIOs could succeed solely as technologists. Today, Srinivasan argued, the role demands a broad portfolio of finance acumen, legal awareness, HR sensitivity, and the ability to manage a complex ecosystem of stakeholders.

“You're not just running IT,” he emphasized. “You’re managing senior executives, business partners, your team, and vendors all while keeping the ship afloat in a rapidly changing tech landscape.”

Saying “No” as a Leadership Skill