The University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School and Gartner Executive Programs, a unit of Gartner, have announced the launch of their renowned CIO Academy in the Gulf region.

CIO Academy is a prestigious and unique management development programme for the most senior person with ultimate responsibility for an organization’s IT.

The programme has become established over several years at Oxford, helping many IT leaders to maximize the contribution of technology.

Rashed Al Mansoori, chairman of Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Centre (ADSIC) will be a special guest speaker on the programme. ADSIC is the governmental body responsible for delivering the UAE’s acclaimed e-government platform to match the best in the world.

“Delivering this programme in the Gulf is an exciting yet natural step for the University. We have built valuable relationships with many prominent organizations and are pleased to further develop our commitment and offering to the region” said Prof Michael Earl, acting pro-vice-chancellor, (Development and External Affairs), University of Oxford.

Removed from the tactical concerns of the workplace, participants develop broader perspectives on strategic management, and how to deliver value to their organization.

They return with a renewed perspective and a tailored action plan for leadership success. Close interaction with outstanding faculty, and an exclusive group of senior level IT executives results in highly personal, pragmatic learning for all attendees.

The Gulf region programme, starting in Abu Dhabi will have a particular focus on business and technology leadership.

“CIO Academy delivers the ability to fully understand the demands of the executive board on IT, demonstrate the value IT creates, and lead IT divisions to success” said Roger Kemp, group vice president, Gartner.

'Two elements of CIO Academy really impressed me - the outstanding quality of the speakers and the diversity of industries represented.'

 'This provided a platform to focus on the real issues faced by IT,' said Ali Sajwani, senior vice president, IT Applications and Enterprise Management, Emirates NBD and previous participant at CIO Academy at Oxford.

'CIO Academy supports the long term vision of the UAE Federal Government and the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 to develop a highly skilled and highly productive workforce.'

CIOs interested in taking part should visit gartner.com/cioacademy or email dawn.gudelis@gartner.com.

'CIO Academy is open to nationals and expatriates providing a platform for their development through executive education and personal on-site tuition. CIO Academy is an exciting step forward for Gartner in the region,' added Myles Bird, UAE country manager, Gartner.-TradeArabia News Service