DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
The technology leadership landscape has undergone a seismic shift in recent years. Once viewed primarily as technical stewards of infrastructure and systems, CIOs now find themselves at the forefront of business strategy and organisational transformation. This evolution reflects a fundamental change in how companies perceive technology – no longer as merely a support function, but as the driving force behind competitive advantage, customer experience, and operational excellence.
In the IT services sector, this transformation holds particular significance. Companies like Computacenter operate at the intersection of technological innovation and business value, navigating complex client demands while managing their own digital evolution. The sector faces unprecedented challenges: cloud migration, cybersecurity threats, talent shortages and the AI revolution have all converged to create both opportunities and pressures for technology leaders.
It is within this context that John Gibbs operates as Group CIO at Computacenter, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous roles at International Airlines Group and Rolls- Royce. With 35 years in the IT industry, beginning as a developer and architect before leading major transformation programmes, John embodies the modern CIO archetype – technically proficient yet business-focused, strategic yet practical.
“ I’ ve got responsibility for all aspects of IT and technology inside Computacenter,” he explains, describing a remit that encompasses everything from hardware infrastructure to applications.“ Unlike a lot of CIOs, I also have responsibility for business transformation, and some operational aspects like business continuity and disaster recovery.”
Computacenter’ s three-legged business model drives technology value Computacenter operates what John describes as a“ three-legged stool” approach to delivering technology services. This model addresses the full spectrum of client needs, from technology sourcing to managed services and professional services including strategic advice.
The first leg comprises value-added reselling of hardware and software technology products.“ We can procure, build, configure, deliver, support through life and, ultimately, recover and recycle infrastructure from PCs for users through to high-end AI infrastructure for the Hyperscalers.” John notes.
The second leg extends into professional services, drawing on the expertise of over 2,000 consultants who advise, design, architect and implement solutions.
The third leg completes the model with managed services – a comprehensive offering that spans workplace, networks, servers and storage, and cloud services. This capability enables Computacenter to innovate and collaborate with their clients to deliver real value.
104 June 2025