Technology Leadership

What Does a CIO Do in a Company? The Complete Board-Level Guide

The CIO owns your technology strategy, digital transformation, data, security, and supplier relationships. Here’s exactly how that translates to business outcomes.

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Where Businesses Get Stuck

The challenges we most commonly see when organisations come to us:

Your technology function operates without board accountability.
IT spend isn’t tied to business outcomes.
Nobody is asking the right questions at board level.

Our Methodology

The CIO’s 5 Domains: Systems / Data / Security / Suppliers / Strategy, and the business outcome each delivers.

What Starkhorn Brings

Daniel Jacobs: 20+ years in technology and security, 15+ of them in leadership roles. VetPartners (BC Partners, GBP1.2bn), Jardine Motors Group (GBP2bn). Published author. PRINCE2, ITIL, IIM Full Member.

Starkhorn does not subcontract or use associate networks. You work directly with Daniel Jacobs from the first conversation through to delivery.

Who This Is For

This service is designed for:

Boards
investors
and CEOs evaluating their technology governance

This is not the right fit for: Technology professionals looking for a job specification.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can Starkhorn begin?

In most cases we can begin within five to ten working days. For urgent situations such as a sudden leadership gap or an active incident, we can mobilise faster. Contact us to discuss your timeline.

What does a typical Starkhorn engagement cost?

Engagements are structured as monthly retainers or fixed-term day-rate assignments. The cost depends on scope and time commitment. We are transparent about pricing from the first conversation and will give you a clear indication on the call.

What experience does Starkhorn bring?

Starkhorn is led by Daniel Jacobs, with 20+ years in technology and security, 15+ of them in leadership roles. He has served as Interim Group Technology Director at VetPartners (BC Partners-backed, GBP1.2bn), accountable for both technology and security, and as CIO and CISO at Jardine Motors Group (GBP2bn turnover). He holds PRINCE2, ITIL Foundation, and is a Full Member of the Institute of Interim Management.

Is AI governance just about compliance?

No. Compliance is the floor, not the ceiling. Effective AI governance helps your board understand the risks and opportunities of AI, ensures accountability for AI-driven decisions, and builds stakeholder trust. It is as much a competitive and reputational issue as a regulatory one.

What is the first step to working with Starkhorn?

Book a no-obligation conversation using the link on this page. In 30 minutes we will understand your situation, tell you honestly whether we are the right fit, and outline what a first engagement would look like. There is no sales process and no pressure.

Next step

Ready to Talk?

Starkhorn works with MDs, CEOs, and boards of growing businesses. If you have a technology leadership gap, a security concern, or a transformation that is not delivering, we can help. Book a 30-minute conversation with no obligation.