IT leaders join ZDNet's NextGen CIO program

A Japanese proverb tells us: "Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher." This explains the importance of the mentors in the NextGen CIO program.

Participants in the program have a unique opportunity to engage in personal mentoring sessions with some of the most prominent and respected CIOs currently operating between the Pacific and Indian oceans. And that's not taking into account the Korean peninsula, from where the CIO of General Motors Korea will share his considerable experience and expertise.

Today, we announce the mentors in the program.

We're indebted to the enthusiasm and commitment of the following CIOs: Fiona Floyd, of Suncorp Life; Craig Lloyd, of Metropolitan Fire Brigade Melbourne; David Gibbons, of Seek; Pierre Matthee, of General Motors Korea; Barry Simpson, of Coca Cola Amatil; and Henry Shiner of McDonalds Australasia.

Each of our CIO mentors, from different industry sectors and with different experiences, share a common trait: they are passionate about developing emerging IT talent that can help shape the future of Australian business, and assist the Australian economy to become more competitive.

We'll report on the skill sets that they believe to be most important for successful CIOs, their own career-development paths, and their experience of benefiting from the support of mentors in their career.

If you think you have the capabilities to rapidly develop you career through involvement in the NextGen CIO program, please go directly to the NextGen CIO page to apply to join this free program for accepted applicants.

Applications close on November 30, 2012.