Notable CIO Appointments and Leadership Shifts in the US

As of February 2025, CIO appointments and transitions of leadership have been considerably dynamic in the U.S. across multiple industries. This shows the mounting importance of technology leadership in confronting AI and cybersecurity as well as digital transformation. The changes in leadership are, in fact, more than symbolic; they represent a change in how organizations approach technology and innovation strategically. This year has seen considerable transitions among sectors such as finance, health, insurance, and government, hinting strongly at augmented necessity for technology leadership in addressing challenges. Below are some of the noteworthy CIO appointments and transitions that typify the shifting landscape in 2025.

Kristie Grinnell named CIO at TD Synnex

Kristie Grinnell was named Chief Information Officer (CIO) at TD Synnex, the leading global distributor and solutions aggregator in the IT ecosystem. The announcement was made on 19 December 2024, and she takes Bonnie Smith as the successor, who is departing but will continue in the company until February 1, 2025. Before joining Cox, she was global CIO and chief supply chain officer of General Dynamics Information Technology, where she was responsible for IT and cybersecurity, as well as operations across the supply chain.

AssuredPartners appoints Jason Sickle as CIO

Jason Sickle has been appointed Chief Information Officer (CIO) of AssuredPartners, based in Orlando, Florida, a global entity in the insurance brokerage field, with special expertise in industry-specific insurance solutions for both business and individual customers. Sickle joins AssuredPartners from NFP, an Aon company, where he worked as senior vice president of technology operations.

Brad Novak joins DXC Technology as CIO

Brad Novak was named Chief Information Officer (CIO) at DXC Technology. DXC Technology works with global companies to run their systems and operations most critical for the companies and modernize IT. Novak has worked in several global financial services firms, most recently at Barclays, where he served as CTO for the corporate and investment bank and looked after technology architecture and strategy.

Samir Shah joins Brunswick Corporation as CIO

Samir Shah was named Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Brunswick Corporation, a marine recreation and technology company based in Mettawa, Illinois. Brunswick leads the world in marine recreation and brings innovations that redefine the experience above and beyond the water. Shah brings ample experience to Brunswick from working with Fortune Brand Innovations, where he served as SVP and CIO.

Hanger announces Lety Nettles as CIO

Hanger, a leading provider of orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) patient care services and products, announced Regina “Lety” Nettles as its Chief Information Officer (CIO). Before taking up a role at Hanger, Nettles was the chief product officer and CIO at Novant Health and the CIO at LPL Financial. Earlier, she held technical leadership roles with Walmart and Dell.

Gregory Barbaccia appointed as the Federal CIO

In January 2025, Joseph Barbaccia was appointed as the Federal CIO in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) after the departure of Clare Martorana during the transition to President Trump's second term. With a background as an Army intelligence sergeant and private-sector experience at companies like Palantir, Barbaccia marks a change toward more politically appointed CIOs in the federal space.

Leslie’s names Maryann Byrdak as CIO

Leslie’s named Maryann Byrdak as its Chief Information Officer. Founded in 1963, Leslie’s is a direct-to-consumer brand in the US pool and spa care industry. The brand caters to the residential, commercial, and professional users. Byrdak has also been CIO of Feeding America, the largest hunger relief organization, before coming to Leslie's, where she led efforts to modernize and improve the technology services for underserved communities.