
Key information
Programme Overview
Technology has transformed how we do business, becoming an integral part of enterprise operations. With this change, a new generation of chief technology officers (CTOs) has emerged. They are not just technology experts – they are strategic visionaries who drive change. From leading teams to fostering innovation and driving digital transformation, expectations for future CTOs are high. As technology and business continue to converge, aspiring CTOs must ensure that they possess a diverse skill set to bridge the divide between technology and strategic leadership and create scalable solutions.
This six month online programme draws on expertise from Imperial College Business School faculty, industry experts and case studies. It features hands-on modules for practical learning and opportunities for interactive engagement, and strategic thinking. You will experience live online teaching sessions, video lectures, interactive activities and assignments whilst receiving personal support from a dedicated Learning Team.
You will finish the programme prepared to implement your learnings, and with a verified Digital Certificate from Imperial College Business School Executive Education.
Who should attend?
The Emerging CTO programme is designed to help experienced technology leaders expand their strategic leadership capabilities and deepen their technology expertise, empowering them to become next-generation CTOs who can navigate the complexities of C-suite leadership and drive significant impact to meet business objectives The programme is particularly relevant for:
- Senior technical leaders looking to enhance their business, leadership and strategic skills to make an organisation-wide impact, set the technological direction for their businesses and advance to a C-level role
- IT operations and security leaders seeking to use technology and strategy to play a more significant role in their organisations, elevate IT’s contribution to business value, shape technology policy and overcome business challenges
- Digital transformation managers aiming to develop technical expertise and C-level leadership skills to lead organisation-wide digital strategies, drive organisational change and advance to the C-suite
- Business and technology leaders looking to deepen their technical knowledge and develop executive leadership skills to shape the future of business with technology, make data-driven decisions, build new business models and lead at the executive level
Participants should have a minimum of 8 years of work experience.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this programme, you will be able to:
- Integrate emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and automation to drive digital transformation and foster a culture of innovation
- Evaluate the ROI of technology initiatives to improve financial performance and business value
- Mitigate technology risks, develop robust cybersecurity strategies and incorporate crisis management frameworks to ensure business continuity
- Refine data strategies to assess and improve your organisation's data management and utilisation and align them with technological initiatives to drive digital expansion
- Optimise infrastructure management and cloud computing strategies to enhance operational efficiency and scalability
- Formulate a strategic technology vision that aligns with business objectives to drive growth and gain competitive advantage
- Implement customer-centric strategies to drive continuous improvement and make informed decisions
- Foster ethical leadership and an inclusive organisational culture while leveraging diverse perspectives to drive innovative solutions
- Analyse organisational structures and politics, discerning their impact on decision-making processes
- Integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles with the decision-making process to align organisational goals with social objectives
Learning Journey
Phase 1: Executive Leadership Essentials | 12 weeks
Understand the executive leadership skills necessary to excel in a C-suite leadership role. Navigate the current finance landscape confidently by gaining expertise in effective decision making, strategic agility and ethical leadership. Explore how to drive innovation and ensure alignment with sustainable practices.
Module 1: Organisational Structures: From Hierarchies to Networks
Module 2: Navigating and Influencing Complex Politics
Module 3: Building Alliances and Collaboration at an Executive Level
Module 4: Understanding Enablers and Derailers to Career Progression in the C-Suite
Module 5: Building Trust and Relationship Management
Module 6: Adept Communication: The Art of Storytelling
Module 7: Fostering a Culture of Ethics
Module 8: Inspiring Cohesive, Effective Teams
Module 9: Future Forces Transforming Demands on the C-suite
Module 10: The Role of C-Suite in Driving Digital Transformation
Module 11: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG): Balancing Profitability and Responsibility
Module 12: Understanding and Appreciating Diversity in the Workplace
Phase 2: Technology Strategy | 6 weeks
Acquire the strategic insights needed to excel as a CTO in today’s rapidly evolving digital environment, develop essential technology leadership skills and explore breakthrough technologies, including AI and automation.
Module 13: Business Acumen for Technology Leaders
Module 14: Planning Organisational Technology Strategy
Module 15: Infrastructure Management and Cloud Computing
Module 16: Emerging Technologies
Module 17: Artificial Intelligence and Automation
Module 18: Strategic Cybersecurity
Phase 3: CTO Transformation Imperatives | 6 weeks
Explore the new mandates undertaken by CFOs, like mitigating risks and overseeing ESG principles, along with strategically managing stakeholder relationships.
Module 19: Crisis Management and Continuity
Module 20: ROI on Technology Initiatives
Module 21: Customer Centric Approach
Module 22: Fostering an Innovation Culture
Module 23: Strategic Partnership
Module 24: Leading through Flux
Programme Faculty

Khalil Dimachkie
Programme Director; Fractional CTO and Strategic Adviser
Khalil Dimachkie has an extensive technology leadership background, including ten years as a CTO. He leverages his leadership experience together with his expertise in software engineering and technology to advise companies and investment funds on technical strategy, business strategy and market fit. He has helped transform and scale startups, taking them through multiple rounds of funding all the way to a successful exit. Throughout his career, he has amassed significant knowledge of a broad range of programming languages and technologies, working as a Developer and later an Architect at startups and large enterprises alike, including TfL, VISA, BP and Maserati.

Adam Kingl
Lecturer at Imperial College Business School
Adam Kingl is highly regarded for his expertise in the future of business. His primary research focuses on the work and leadership paradigms of the youngest generations in the workplace. Kingl is a highly sought-after speaker at prestigious events, including the World Expo Business International Milan, Global Leadership Summit and HR Directors Business Summit. His work featured in esteemed publications, including the Financial Times, Sunday Times, The Guardian and many more. He has also authored two books titled Next Generation Leadership and Sparking Success.