Who should lead the charge on digital transformation?

Digital transformation has shifted from being a “nice to have” to a business imperative. Organisations that fail to adapt risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive, fast-paced world. But as priorities pile up at the leadership level, one question looms large: Who should ultimately be accountable for driving this critical change?

To explore this, we asked the Definia community, and the results were as revealing as they were thought-provoking. The majority of respondents believe that successful transformation requires a collaborative, cross-functional approach. This finding underscores a broader shift in organisational thinking: transformation isn’t a task to be handed off to a single leader or department—it’s a shared responsibility that touches every corner of the business.

Why transformation can’t be owned by one role

Historically, digital transformation initiatives were often siloed within IT or innovation teams. While these roles remain crucial, they are no longer sufficient on their own. Today’s transformations are far more complex, encompassing not just technology but also culture, processes, and customer experience.

Leaders across functions must align their efforts to:

  • Embed transformation into strategy: It’s not just about implementing new tools but rethinking how the organisation delivers value.
  • Create a culture of adaptability: Transformation thrives in environments where employees feel empowered to innovate and adapt.
  • Ensure customer-centricity: Digital initiatives must ultimately enhance the customer experience, a goal that requires input from multiple functions.

Insights from the community

One commenter captured the essence of this challenge beautifully:
“Digital transformation is indeed a critical priority, and accountability should span multiple levels. While senior leadership must champion the vision and ensure alignment with organisational goals, success often hinges on empowering cross-functional teams to deliver the change collaboratively.”

This highlights a key truth: transformation is not just about technology. It’s about aligning people, culture, and strategy to deliver meaningful change.

The evolving role of leadership in transformation

The poll results point to a growing recognition that leadership in digital transformation must evolve. While the CEO sets the vision and ensures alignment with business goals, other C-suite leaders bring critical expertise:

  • CIOs and CTOs: Orchestrate the technical aspects of transformation, ensuring scalability and innovation.
  • Chief Transformation Officers: Drive focus and accountability for transformation initiatives.
  • Functional Leaders: Provide the domain expertise needed to tailor transformation efforts to specific areas of the business.

But the real magic happens when these leaders collaborate. Cross-functional leadership creates a dynamic ecosystem where diverse perspectives fuel innovation and shared ownership drives accountability.

A roadmap for cross-functional success

To make cross-functional transformation work, organisations should:

  • Define clear goals and metrics: Ensure all teams understand how their efforts contribute to the overall transformation strategy.
  • Invest in change management: Equip employees with the skills and mindset needed to embrace new ways of working.
  • Foster open communication: Break down silos by creating forums for cross-functional dialogue and collaboration.
  • Celebrate quick wins: Highlighting early successes builds momentum and reinforces the value of transformation efforts.

What’s next?

The era of siloed transformation is over. Organisations that embrace a cross-functional, collaborative approach will be best positioned to navigate the complexities of today’s digital landscape.

The question now is: Are you ready to lead the charge?

SHARE