What Makes Modern IT Leaders Successful – and Visible?
15 years ago, the Confare Swiss CIOAWARD was launched to demonstrate exactly that: CIOs are far more than administrators of systems. They drive transformation, shape corporate culture, and deliver real business value. This chronicle tells the stories of those honored over the years—and shows how the award has reshaped the role of the CIO. It’s a journey through powerful moments, bold personalities, and the strength of a community that makes IT achievement visible.
When the Confare Swiss CIOAWARD was first presented in Zurich in 2012, the idea was simple—yet radical: make IT performance visible, because visibility creates impact. A shift away from silent support roles, toward leadership in transformation, value creation, and company culture. Fifteen years later, the award is a fixture of the Swiss IT community—embedded in the Confare CIOSUMMIT Zürich, connected with Austria and Germany, and powered by partners, awardees, and an engaged community.
Over time, Confare evolved from a traditional conference provider into a true community platform. Social media became a space for dialogue, the CIOAWARD a spotlight for excellence—creating an ecosystem of exchange, mentoring, cross-border collaboration, and professional inspiration that brings IT achievements into the limelight. At first, it took explanation: why would an Austrian organization launch a CIO award in Switzerland? But strong partners and consistent quality made the difference. EY has supported the award from the beginning—initially with Andreas Toggwyler, later with Jan Leitermann. Both jury chairs emphasized how valuable it is to highlight outstanding IT performance and shape a modern understanding of the CIO role.
Today, the Confare Swiss CIOSUMMIT attracts around 250 IT professionals, more than 20 partner companies, and includes programs such as Female IT Mentoring. It’s the most important IT leadership gathering in Switzerland. Cross-border networking is built in: content from Zurich resonates in Vienna and Frankfurt—and vice versa.
The Award Winners: A Chronicle of Impact (2012–2025)
A look at the awardees from 2012 to 2025 reveals how the CIOAWARD accelerated careers and reshaped the CIO’s image:
2012 – The Start of a New Era
The award’s debut honored Enrico Lardelli, then Head of IT at PostFinance (now a member of the executive board at Graubündner Kantonalbank). “Being the first winner helped me visibly advance my career,” he reflects. “Even more importantly, it boosted our IT team’s internal confidence.” The newly created Swiss CIOSUMMIT also built a unique network, recognizing IT achievements.
2013 – Career Turbo and Game Changer
A year later, Frédéric Wohlwend (then CIO at Merck) described the award as a turning point: “Being recognized by Confare literally changed my career. It gave me the wings to shift into the Tech Venture Capital world.” Today, he supports digital start-ups after 30 years of corporate CIO experience.
2014 – A Milestone for Women in IT
In 2014, Ursula Soritsch-Renier (CIO of Sulzer) became the first woman—across the DACH region—to win the award. “This recognition was incredibly validating,” she said. “We rarely get positive feedback in IT roles.” Her win inspired more women to pursue IT leadership and amplified initiatives supporting female tech talent.
2015 – Two Winners: SMEs and Corporates
For the first time, the jury honored two CIOs: Ralf Luchsinger (Glarner Kantonalbank) and Andy Fitze (RUAG). Luchsinger demonstrated how innovation thrives even in smaller firms. “Being recognized by socially skilled professionals energized our team,” he said. Fitze added, “This award gives CIOs a strategic voice.”
2016 – From CIO to Entrepreneur
Patrick Freudiger (AMAG) used the award as a springboard into entrepreneurship and leadership coaching. “It helped position our IT internally and increased our credibility externally,” he said. It was a major asset in his transition from CIO to consultant.
2017 – Team Triumph Under Pressure
Christoph Kleinsorg (Swissport) led a lean IT team through turbulent times. “It’s not my award—it’s ours,” he said. “This was recognition for what we achieved with limited resources.” The award reinforced cohesion and affirmed IT’s contribution to business resilience.
2018 – IT in the Luxury Segment
Eric Saracchi (Firmenich) brought prestige from a traditional industry. “The timing was perfect—it boosted our credibility and accelerated cooperation with the business,” he noted. Saracchi went on to lead IT at luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet.
2019 – A Media Industry Milestone
Franz Bürgi (Tamedia) stood out in a rapidly digitizing media landscape. “The award sharpened our narrative and made it accessible to a broader audience,” he said. It helped position the IT team beyond its sector.
Pandemic Years – A Resilient Community
During COVID-19, the Confare community proved unshakable. While many events went virtual, the CIOAWARD continued—and so did inspiration, collaboration, and recognition. Team spirit, often cited by winners, became a vital force that transcended formats.
2020 – Enablers in Difficult Times
Konrad Zöschg (Zurich Airport) led one of the world’s top airport IT systems. “The award gave us energy to pursue ambitious goals,” he said. “It showed IT isn’t a cost center—it’s an enabler.” Especially during the pandemic, external recognition became a powerful motivator.
2021 – Global Excellence with Humility
Alec Joannou (ABB Global CIO) impressed both jury and peers. Despite numerous global accolades, he remained humble: “Winning the award meant the world to my team. It was never about me—it was about IT, our partners, and our stakeholders.” Joannou now serves on the jury himself.
2022 – Bridging Business and IT
Markus Köpfli (Mettler-Toledo) represented large-scale industry. “The award was powerful recognition, and the summit offered great exchange,” he said. His story showed how tightly IT and business strategies are interwoven.
2023 – Healthcare Takes the Stage
For the first time since 2015, two CIOs were honored: Guru Sivaraman (University Hospital Zurich) and Pascal Schär (Insel Gruppe). Both emphasized how visibility supports digital progress—even under cost pressure—and enhances employer branding.
2024 – End-Customer in Focus
Daniel Fiechter (then at STOBAG, now at Vitra International) showcased modern CIO leadership centered on end users. “It says CIO on the trophy, but it represents team achievement,” he emphasized. The award boosted internal perception and helped attract talent.
2025 – Women in Leadership in the Spotlight
After 11 years, another woman won: Anna Maria Blengino (Sunrise). “This was a recognition of my team’s hard work—and how far we’d come,” she said. Her win highlighted the growing impact of female IT leaders and validated mentoring efforts within the Confare network.
Recurring Patterns of Impact
Three consistent themes emerge from these stories:
- Team First: Almost all winners speak in “we,” not “I.” The award validates organizational performance and builds trust.
- Speed Through Credibility: Independent recognition accelerates business collaboration and eases hiring.
- Networks Scale Learning: The award is not an endpoint—it’s a starting point. Knowledge-sharing and mentorship multiply its effects.
Making Diversity Visible
Diversity matters—and it’s working. The Confare Female IT Mentoring program grew steadily, with rising numbers of mentors and mentees. Role models like Ursula Soritsch-Renier and Anna-Maria Blengino continue to inspire future leaders. Barbara Klinka-Ghezzo, who initiated the mentoring program, often says: “Visibility attracts talent.”
Jury President Jan Leitermann (EY) adds: “Award-winning CIOs drive progress under real-world constraints—combining creativity, execution, and resilience.”
What Comes Next
The Confare Swiss CIOAWARD is now more than just an award. It’s a beacon for where IT leadership is going: entrepreneurial, data-driven, human-centered. As Confare founder Michael Ghezzo put it, “Digitalization is a core capability of both business and society.”
In 2026, the anniversary summit will spotlight topics like AI, data, cyber resilience, and digital sovereignty under the motto: “Digital Creation – Create. Inspire. Own.”
The race is on—nominations are open. Visibility isn’t a vanity project—it builds trust, courage, and momentum. It starts with a nomination.
Get your nomination HERE.
