The massive adoption of artificial intelligence, the unceasing challenge of cybersecurity, and the growing value of data are some of the factors that have redefined their priorities. In fact, according to the State of the CIO 2025 report, for 38% of these technology leaders, the top priority now is to monetise data and translate it into tangible benefits for the company.

With this scenario, DES – Digital Enterprise Show 2025, one of the largest European events dedicated to exponential technologies, which will take place from 10-12th June in Malaga, will study the evolution to which this profile is being subjected. Specifically, it will do so at the CIO Summit, the meeting that will bring to the table the new tasks and skills that must be available to those responsible for systems and technologies to promote the proper digitisation of their respective organisations.

One of them is the ability to manage change at a time when the advance of digital solutions, such as artificial intelligence, is progressing at an accelerated pace, giving rise to pioneering concepts such as agentic AI. In this regard, José Andrés López, Senior Director of Information Technology at the defence firm General Dynamics European Land Systems; Gonzalo Martínez, CIO at the logistics operator Logisfashion; and Carlos Muñoz, Director of Infrastructure and Information Security for Iberolatam at Allianz Executive, will explore at DES2025 what this tool consists of and will show its potential to automate complicated decision-making processes.

In the global sphere, the role of the CIO has also been marked by geopolitical tensions and threats arising from the rise of digital aggression. In this environment, technology leaders face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Pablo Giancarlo, CIO Iberia at freight specialist Rhenus Air & Ocean, and Judith Gil, Director of Transformation and Projects at Mutua Madrileña, will address how international tensions, fragile supply chains and cybersecurity are reshaping the responsibilities of this professional as they seek to continue to drive innovation.

Along with the unstoppable progression of AI and the difficulties arising from the international scenario, quantum computing is another of the issues that concern CIOs due to its capacity to process data. For this reason, DES2025 will be attended by experts of the stature of Javier López, professor at the University of Málaga, or David González, CISO at Coren, among others, who will explain the risks posed by this emerging technology in relation to sensitive information and ways to protect it.

In addition, executives such as Marian de la Peña, Chief Digital, Analytics and IT Officer at Engie; José Ignacio Esteban, Design and Operation of the Change Management Office at AXA Seguros Spain; and José Senra, Global Data Management Operations Director at PepsiCo, will share their vision on the challenges that organisations must face when handling large volumes of data, highlighting the importance of effective governance.

A governance on which, likewise, Malú Delicado, CIO at Mapfre, will reflect, emphasising methods to ensure an ethical and transparent implementation of artificial intelligence. Delicado will share best practices and regulatory approaches that firms can adopt to responsibly manage AI technologies while maintaining trust in their operations.

The CIO beyond digital strategy

The reference meeting on exponential technologies in Europe will also highlight the knowledge that the CIO can contribute to measuring the return on investment in digital solutions. Fabiana Santamaría, Senior Account Executive at T-Systems Iberia; Maite Morales, CDO at L'Oréal; Jordi Parera, CIO at Affinitas Education; and Jesús Cabet, CIO and CDO at Persán, will share their perspectives on the alignment of technology strategies with business objectives, demonstrating tangible results.

In turn, DES2025, led by Raúl Prieto, IT Director at Mapfre, will reveal the contribution that the CIO is making in talent management, improving the employee experience and promoting an organisational culture in which digital initiatives have become a key element.