Embracing tech modernization: Insights from the Technology Leaders Townhall
At our annual leaders gathering, we explored our modernization journey and the essential roles of tech integration, collaboration and leadership.
Richard Jardim
May. 28, 2025
2-minute read
In March, CIBC brought together leaders from across Technology, Infrastructure and Innovation (TI&I) for the annual Technology Leaders Townhall. It provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate and share our ongoing efforts to create a modern, relationship-oriented bank. Modernization at scale is a continuous process that requires careful planning, bold decision making, iteration and deep integration across all functions of the bank. While new systems and technology are important, ensuring they are deployed in harmony with the right people and processes around them is critical to realizing value and benefits at scale.
I spoke with Christina Kramer, Senior Executive Vice President and Group Head of TI&I, to discuss our strategy and why it’s a pivotal moment for technology at CIBC. Our conversation highlighted the importance of cultivating an ecosystem where the close integration of people and technology leads to true agility and resilience.
Mike Hayes, Managing Director at Insight Partners, joined us, and drawing from his background as a U.S. Navy Seal and business leader, shared his views on leadership and innovation in navigating today’s complex landscape.
Key learnings from this conversation
Systems-level approach
Innovation thrives when we take a systems-level view, connecting ecosystems instead of operating in silos. Moving forward will require shared ownership and cross-functional collaboration.
Bridging the tech fluency gap
The effectiveness of technology hinges on how well it’s understood and applied. Hayes emphasized the importance of making modernization efforts accessible to all team members across the bank. “It’s not just about making the technology community’s life easier — it's about making the non-technology community’s easier as well.” Bridging the gap between tech-fluent and non-tech-fluent employees is essential for ensuring digital transformation benefits everyone.
Leadership
Empowering leaders helps drive transformation and fosters accountability. They also need guidance on when to support and when to lead. Hayes advised, “Leaders need to know how to lead and know how to follow. But the most important thing is knowing when to do which.” This also requires leaders to remain curious and engaged with their teams to unearth great ideas and insights.
Looking ahead: Navigating modernization
As Kramer noted, this is an exciting time for technology at CIBC and the Technology Leaders Townhall reinforced this sentiment.
As we continue to modernize the bank, effective integration and cross-functional teamwork are key. Strong leadership remains vital in guiding this transformation, helping to navigate challenges and driving consistent progress.
Richard Jardim
EVP and CTO, Technology, Infrastructure and Innovation
