Johannesburg, South Africa – The second day of the prestigious World CIO 200 Grand Finale unfolded at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, marking an extraordinary gathering of global CIOs, IT thought leaders, and industry innovators. The event kicked off with an early morning Breakfast & Networking session, from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, where attendees engaged in meaningful conversations and exchanges over coffee, powered by Coffeee.io. The relaxed networking atmosphere set the tone for a day packed with enriching content and discussions, all centered on technology leadership and innovation.
The day officially began with a Welcome Note delivered by Ronak Samantaray, Co-founder and CEO of GEC Media Group, who set the stage for the remarkable sessions that followed. His welcome speech highlighted the significance of global collaboration in addressing the evolving technological landscape, emphasizing the role of CIOs as strategic enablers of digital transformation.
Jeevan Thankappan, Managing Editor of GEC Media Group, followed with an Editor’s Note, offering a deep dive into the event’s core theme and discussing how technology can transcend borders and create a global impact. He recognized the growing importance of digital leadership in the face of emerging global challenges, reinforcing the need for innovation and collaboration.
The morning sessions continued with Charbel Zreiby, Regional Director at Dell Technologies | Mindware, delivering a keynote focused on the future of data center technologies. Zreiby’s insights on advanced cybersecurity and channel data center solutions underscored the critical role of digital infrastructure in the modern business world. His presentation seamlessly led into the next keynote by Ricky Kej, three-time Grammy Award Winner and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, who shared his thoughts on “Uniting Cultures, Transcending Borders.” His talk resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring attendees to think beyond geographical boundaries in their pursuit of innovation and sustainability.
In a series of thought-provoking keynotes, Ali El Kontar, CEO of Zero&One, took the stage to explore the future of cloud technology and its role in enabling businesses to scale and innovate. His session was followed by Amit Veer, Founder and CEO of Coffeee.io, who discussed the transformative power of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of work. Their perspectives provided actionable insights into leveraging cutting-edge technologies for driving business growth and operational efficiency.
A highlight of the day was the Cross Border Panel, moderated by Venkatesh Mahadevan (Venki), Co-founder of CaaS, which brought together industry titans to discuss strategies for cross-border digital transformation. The panel featured prominent voices such as Mark Bramwell, CIO of Said Business School at the University of Oxford, Kenneth Lindegaard, Group CIO of Etihad Rail PJSC, Maurine Awuor, Director ICT for the County Government of Kisumu, and John Bosco Arends, Chairperson of the Chartered CIO Council and Group Head of Information, Network, and Technology Operations at the City of Johannesburg. Their discussions touched upon the challenges and opportunities presented by operating in diverse regulatory environments, with each panelist offering unique insights based on their vast experience in driving digital initiatives across different regions.
The morning sessions culminated with the Sessions Closing and a Day 1 Lucky Draw, adding an element of excitement to the already dynamic day.
The afternoon kicked off with a sumptuous lunch and networking session, allowing attendees to connect further and reflect on the discussions from the morning. Following lunch, the Leadership Masterclass, powered by Meet YourSelf, provided registered delegates with invaluable strategies for effective leadership in today’s fast-paced business environment. This exclusive masterclass was designed to enhance leadership capabilities, equipping participants with the tools to navigate the complexities of digital transformation.
In the evening, the spotlight turned to the much-awaited Ambassadors Meet, an invite-only session that brought together ambassadors of the World CIO 200 2024 initiative. The exclusive gathering fostered deep discussions on leadership challenges and opportunities, with ambassadors sharing their experiences in driving technological advancements across various industries.
As the day transitioned into night, the event’s grand Gala Dinner commenced, starting with an opening note by Richa S, Chief Commercial Officer of GEC Media Group. The dinner provided a perfect blend of celebration and recognition, highlighted by a stellar performance from Manoj George, an internationally renowned violinist and music composer, alongside Ricky Kej, whose uplifting melodies symbolized the spirit of positivity and cultural diversity.
The event continued with the Ambassadors Recognition ceremony, where outstanding global leaders were honored for their exceptional contributions to the CIO community and the broader IT industry. This was followed by the presentation of the GCF Preferred Partner Awards, recognizing key partners who played a significant role in advancing the goals of the Global CIO Forum.
The day concluded with the Champions Photoshoot Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of all the award recipients, and a dinner where participants reflected on the success of the event. As a fitting finale, attendees gathered for a lively Clubbing Night, where they continued to network and celebrate in a more relaxed atmosphere.
The second day of the World CIO 200 Grand Finale in South Africa proved to be an inspiring, informative, and celebratory occasion, leaving attendees energized and equipped with fresh insights to drive digital transformation in their respective regions.
