Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), a leading business school in South Africa and Wipro Limited, a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company, launched the second edition of the highly successful ‘Future CIO’ learning programme for South Africa.
The programme’s objective is to impart leadership skills, build proficiency in technologies of the future and help mould leaders with a globalised outlook.
Sandra La Bella, CIO of Wealth, Investment Management and Insurance, Barclays was the guest speaker at the ceremony held to mark the launch of the programme on February 23 in Johannesburg. The event also included a panel discussion by the alumni of ‘Future CIO 2015’ batch, who shared their experiences of being a part of the programme.
“For me, the best part about the programme was integrating new concepts with what I already know, understanding where the future of technology is and how it can be applied in solving today’s problems,” said Nick Mbuyane, Technical UAT Manager at MTN and ‘Future CIO 2015’ alumni.
The six month-long programme comprises of three modules covering theoretical and practical skills in technology and business. The first module, which focuses on Enterprise Leadership, is held at the GIBS campus in Johannesburg over four days. The second module has candidates travel to India for a week, where they experience on-ground innovation and receive in-depth theoretical and hands-on training on global leadership skills and technology themes at Wipro’s offices in India. The last module on Strategic Thinking is conducted over four days at the GIBS campus. The participants in the programme have access to the best-in-class thought leadership from some of the world’s leading and established technology experts, who provide invaluable insights into subjects such as ‘disruptive technologies’, ‘barriers to innovative thinking’ and ‘innovating for a future market’.
The nominations for this programme have to come directly from the CEOs and Boards of their respective organisations, across industry sectors, in South Africa. The candidates are further shortlisted by a panel of experts.
“For us, as a business school, it was important to create a programme that focused on how the role of the CIO is evolving. There is a lot of potential in South Africa and many aspirant CIO’s. Working with Wipro on this programme, we are proud to have been able to help some of the brightest minds to unleash their potential and fulfill their professional goals,” said Abdullah Verachia, GIBS faculty lead of the Future CIO programme.
Gavin Holme, Country Manager, Africa, Wipro Limited said, “As new technologies and innovations change the way we work, the expectations from CIOs are constantly evolving. The Future CIO programme provides invaluable exposure to high-level problem solving and strategic thinking, which encourages and nurtures real innovative thinking in a global business context.”
He added, “The first edition of the programme was highly successful and we look forward to continuing to groom more technology leaders through the second edition of the programme.”
For more information regarding this programme or to apply for this programme contact Sabelo Myeni, client engagement manager at GIBS on 011 771 4000 or email myenis@gibs.co.za. Alternatively visit www.gibs.co.za to apply.
