5 Ways to Ensure the Next CTO You Hire Adds Real Business Value

…and Doesn’t Make Your Engineering Delivery Worse

1. Define a Clear and Realistic Role for the CTO

Balance Strategy and Execution: Ensure the role includes aligning tech with business goals while improving engineering processes.

Align Expectations: Decide whether you need a visionary for innovation or a stabilizer to fix current issues. Don’t hire a visionary if immediate delivery is your priority.

Include Business Metrics: Tie success to outcomes like delivery timelines, customer satisfaction, or efficiency, not just technical metrics.

How It Adds Value: A clear role ensures the CTO focuses on delivering what your business needs.

2. Prioritize Relevant Experience

Look for Delivery Skills: Hire a CTO who has led teams delivering scalable solutions under pressure.

Seek Industry Knowledge: Choose someone familiar with your industry to ensure they can quickly contribute.

Assess Problem-Solving: Look for evidence of turning around underperforming teams.

How It Adds Value: A CTO with the right experience can address bottlenecks while supporting long-term growth.