Ref. 7290

Chief Data & Technology Officer (CDTO) — Group

Our client is a long-established, family-owned international investment holding with a diversified portfolio spanning private equity, real estate and asset management, complemented by operating businesses across Europe and beyond. The group is reinstating a distinct group-level technology leadership role to drive alignment and excellence across its technology landscape.

The mandate: define and deliver the group-wide Technology, Data, AI and Digital strategy — and turn technology into a measurable driver of value across a federated, values-driven group.

This is a genuine build-and-lead role. Reporting to the Group CFO and sitting on the group management team, you lead technology, data and cyber initiatives across the group and ensure their successful execution across IT, Data & AI, Cyber Security and Technology Procurement. You lead a team of 25 and help shape technology priorities across multiple businesses. Few roles offer the opportunity to influence how technology, data and AI support the next phase of growth of a diversified investment portfolio while creating measurable value across the group.

Your benefit in talking to us:

  • Salary comparison, current salary to market salary
  • Understanding your career options
  • Identification of development and promotion potential
  • 65% of candidates will be making a career move within the next 12 to 24 months

Would you like more information? Book a 30-minute video call. Select your preferred date from one of the two calendars.

Calendar 1 Calendar 2

Why this role is compelling

Support in shaping the group technology agenda

  • Distinct group-level leadership role with responsibility for vision, principles and roadmap
  • Direct reporting line to the Group CFO and close exposure to senior leadership
  • End-to-end ownership across Technology, Data & AI, Cyber Security and Technology Procurement
  • Help shape the next phase of the group's technology and digital journey

 

Impact where it matters — strategy AND hands-on delivery

  • Combine strategic direction-setting, board translation and hands-on execution
  • Turn the installed technology base into value — and new technologies (Data / AI) into business levers
  • Deliver value-generating solutions with visible business impact
  • Chair and sponsor group-wide governance forums — set the agenda, not just react

 

Scope, team and resources to make an impact

  • Lead a group team of 25, including Head of IT, Head of Data, AI & Digital, Group CISO and IT Procurement
  • Influence technology priorities across the entire group rather than a single business
  • Steer technology leaders across multiple businesses through influence, not micro-management
  • Work with established partners and providers to execute across the group

A purpose-driven, long-term environment

  • Long-term ownership mindset with a strong stakeholder orientation
  • Stability and entrepreneurial freedom supported by patient capital
  • Broad scope across investment platforms and operating businesses in several sectors
  • A values-led "force for good" culture — technology in service of people and long-term value 

 

Your profile

  • 10+ years in leadership roles in the area of Technology, Digital, AI or Data
  • Proven track record leading enterprise-wide technology, data and digital transformation, ideally in a matrixed or federated group
  • Able to operate across three modes: strategic (direction), translational (board ↔ business) and operational (hands-on delivery)
  • Deep understanding of IT architecture and platforms, Data & AI ecosystems, cyber security and the regulatory environment
  • Strong commercial acumen — links technology to value creation and efficiency

 

Framework conditions

  • Reports to the Group CFO; member of the group management team
  • Leads a team of 25; indirect / dotted-line oversight of company IT managers across all entities
  • Proficient in English
  • Competitive cash-based compensation package (base salary plus target bonus)
  • Based in Switzerland; international, multi-country business environment

 

Why you

  • Thought leader and hands-on implementer — combines strategic direction-setting with active delivery
  • Fit for a values-driven, long-term, consensus-oriented culture — low ego, high trust
  • Successfully align autonomous businesses around shared priorities and standards
  • Credible Data / AI expertise, translated into governance, platforms and real use cases

Application & Contact

Erik Wirz
Erik Wirz
Managing Partner
wirz phone +41 44 515 02 60 wirz email erik.wirz@w-gruppe.com
Book a meeting
Thomas Schori
Thomas Schori
Partner
wirz phone +41 44 515 02 60 wirz email thomas.schori@w-gruppe.com
Book a meeting
*Recruitment process

In an initial interview, we will give you a detailed insight into the role, the company, the corporate culture and your development opportunities.

After an initial exchange with the partner (headhunter), you will receive further information about the role and our client's expectations. If you are interested, please send us your documents. Wirz & Partners will draw up a longlist, which will be discussed with the client. From this longlist, 4-6 candidates are selected for the shortlist.

Time to feedback: 2-3 weeks

If you make it onto the shortlist, it's on to the next round. In the interview with Wirz & Partners, we get to know you professionally and personally. You will receive further information about the client, the offering, the services, the team and the KPIs. Based on all the interviews and documents, we prepare a complete dossier about you for the client, including an executive summary. These documents form the basis for the structured interview process with the client. We prepare you for the interview.

Duration until the interview with the client: Up to two weeks.

The first meeting with the customer is about getting to know each other as equals and experiencing the gut feeling, the people and the corporate culture. This interview takes place in person at the customer's premises and lasts an average of one hour.

The second interview is about deepening professional expertise and management topics. In this exchange, you get to know the team, the strategy and the operational goals. 

You will then receive a salary proposal and an overview of the entire offer.

Duration until feedback: 1-2 weeks

Following the final meeting, a de-briefing takes place with you and the customer.

We support you in the contract negotiations and clarify further details. The contract is drawn up and we accompany the on-boarding at the customer's premises.

Duration until feedback: Up to one week

*We describe the standard process, which may vary depending on the customer.

What sets us apart as a leading headhunter?

OVER
15,000

Subscribers

5,0

Star Ratings on Google

OVER
10

Recognised for years as one of the best executive search firms in Switzerland