Leadership shapes Technology – Why an award Application is Worth Every Minute

Confare Swiss CIOAWARD Winner 2025 Anna Maria Blengino: Leadership shapes Technology

When Anna Maria Blengino took the stage as a winner of the Confare Swiss CIOAWARD 2025, it marked a significant milestone. As the CIO of Sunrise, she demonstrates how modern IT leadership focuses on business value, collaboration, and high-performing teams. In this interview, she reflects on the impact of this recognition, the evolving role of the CIO, and her commitment to supporting female IT talent.

Her journey highlights the strategic leverage that top-tier IT leadership brings to modern enterprises. This standard of excellence is exactly what Confare celebrates annually. The search for the next benchmarking leaders is already underway. Submit your application for the Confare Swiss CIOAWARD 2026 today and position your team’s achievements on the main stage of the Swiss IT ecosystem.

Anna, you were the second woman to receive the highest distinction at the Swiss CIOAWARD. What did this recognition mean to you?

Receiving such an award is both a personal and professional milestone. I felt proud because it reflected the work, the decisions that were sometimes difficult, and the ability to build strong teams.

The jury’s motivation for the award was particularly meaningful to me because it shows that leadership in IT is evolving. Being only the second woman to receive this recognition also reminds us that there is still progress to be made, but it also shows that change is happening.

For me, the award was not only a recognition of individual performance. It was also recognition of a leadership approach built on collaboration, people focus, inclusivity, and a strong business-driven mindset. I still remember that evening very well.

What reactions did you receive after winning the award, both internally and externally?

Internally, it created a strong sense of pride. The IT organisation saw it as recognition of a collective achievement rather than an individual one.

It also strengthened the credibility of IT within the company and reinforced our position as a strategic partner to the business. The award was shared internally, presented during company town halls, and received very positively across the organisation.

Externally, it opened many doors. It led to new exchanges with peers, increased visibility, and opportunities to contribute to the broader CIO community through roundtables and other initiatives.

Confare has been recognising CIOs in Switzerland for 15 years. How has the CIO role evolved during that time?

I was not a CIO 15 years ago, but I observed how the role was perceived.

For many years, the CIO was primarily focused on stability, cost efficiency, infrastructure, and application delivery. Today, the role is fundamentally different.

CIOs work closely with business leaders to shape company strategy because technology has become a key driver of business success. We drive innovation, enable new business models, and create value beyond technology itself.

With the rise of AI, the role is evolving once again. In addition to being technology and digital enablers, CIOs increasingly carry responsibility for governance, ethics, and the efficient use of these new capabilities.

What is your personal perspective on the CIO role today?

I see three important dimensions.

The first is business impact. IT must contribute directly to growth and customer value.

The second is transformation. As technology leaders, we are responsible for modernising platforms and enabling agility across the organisation.

The third dimension is people. Building teams that continuously learn and adapt is becoming increasingly important, especially in an AI-driven environment.

If I had to summarise my approach in one sentence, I would say: I like to make technology invisible, but essential. It should simply work while enabling innovation at speed. People should be able to use it without having to think about how it works.

The expectations placed on CIOs are constantly growing. How do you personally deal with that pressure?

Pressure is part of the role, whether you are a CIO or any other senior executive.

What helps me most is having clear priorities and being surrounded by a strong leadership team. I cannot do everything myself, and I should not try to.

I focus on trust, empowerment, and delegation. At the same time, I make sure to step back regularly, reflect, learn from mistakes, and avoid reacting immediately to every situation.

Energy management is also essential. Finding time for yourself is important if you want to remain effective over the long term.

What defines an IT organisation that is truly award-worthy today?

Today, IT is no longer measured by technology alone.

We are measured by the business value we create, the strategic change we enable, and the quality of the partnership we build with the business.

At the same time, strong IT organisations foster cultures where people collaborate, innovate, and take ownership. As new technologies such as AI reshape the way organisations work, IT also has a responsibility to help colleagues adopt and use these technologies successfully.

Another important aspect is balancing innovation with ethics and trust. These topics have become central to modern IT leadership.

You actively support Confare’s Female IT Community and Female IT Mentoring programme. Why is this important to you?

It matters because diversity leads to better outcomes. It improves decision-making, innovation, and leadership.

Representation also matters. When young women entering the profession see strong role models, it changes what they believe is possible.

The Female IT Community created by Barbara provides a valuable space for exchange, support, and visibility. During last year’s event, I experienced a very open and inspiring atmosphere.

I am looking forward to being part of it again this year.

Confare is celebrating 15 years of the Swiss CIOAWARD. What would you write in the anniversary guestbook?

I actually prepared this in advance because I knew the question was coming.

“Technology connects us, but leadership shapes what we create with it. Let’s continue building a community that is bold, inclusive, and future-oriented.”

I will bring it with me to Zurich in September.

Why would you encourage other CIOs to apply for a Confare award?

I learned this through the process myself.

The application process is valuable because it encourages reflection on your impact, leadership style, and professional journey. The interviews and assessments with experienced jury members provided important perspectives and insights.

The award also connects you with an exceptional network of peers who face similar challenges and share similar responsibilities.

Finally, it highlights the importance of IT leadership. Technology has become critical to every organisation, and awards like this help make that contribution more visible.

Excellent IT teams and leadership deserve visibility. Complete your application for a Confare award near you.