Cathy Holley

Partner

UK Executive Search

Cathy is Co-Head of Boyden UK’s CIO practice where she works with organisations across all sectors, advising on shaping and building world-class IT functions which deliver real business advantage. As well as recruiting some of Europe’s top CIOs she has expert knowledge of  CIO top team roles whether infrastructure, applications or programme-related.  She is a frequent speaker at industry events and works closely with CIO advisory groups such as Gartner, Leading Edge Forum and CIO Development. Her opinion on the future of the CIO role is often sought by the industry press.

Cathy’s early career was in front-line roles in leading global hi-tech firms such as IBM and Oracle. She transitioned into search in 1995 when she joined Norman Broadbents’s Technology Practice which she ultimately co-headed with Phil Peters (now also at Boyden). She joined Heidrick and Struggles in 2002, eventually leaving to become a founding partner at Boyden where she has established herself as one of the leading CIO recruiters in Europe.

Cathy has a degree in French and Italian from Royal Holloway College, London University. She is a fitness fanatic and a regular visitor to the many outstanding Piccadilly restaurants within walking distance of Boyden’s UK office.

Cathy is a regular industry commentator and speaker at CIO events for organisations including:

• Computer Weekly
• Gartner
• CIO Connect
• Computing
• IT Directors Forum (Aurora)
• The Economist
• The Naked Leader Forum

Topics include:

• “The Evolving Role of the CIO”
• “The Path from CIO to CEO or NED”
• “Influencing at Board Level”
• “Personal Branding for CIOs and IT Leaders”
• “Personal Branding and Influencing Boards”
• “How to Prove Your Commercial Value to the Board”
• "Ways to ensure CIOs and CEOs hit it off"

Cathy is also a regular contributor and columnist for EC Insight and Silicon.com
Articles include:

• The CEO/CIO Relationship
• "A Seat on the Board? What's it worth?"
• "Good Public Profile or Professional Schmoozer?"