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Wipro, Gordon Institute of Business Science launch second edition of Future CIO programme


Johannesburg, 26 Feb 2016
Panel discussion at launch of second Future CIO event
Panel discussion at launch of second Future CIO event

Wipro, a leading global IT, consulting and business process services company, and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), a leading business school in South Africa, launched the second edition of the highly successful 'Future CIO' learning programme for South Africa. The programme's objective is to impart leadership skills, build proficiency in technologies of the future and help mould leaders with a globalised outlook.

Sandra La Bella, CIO of Wealth, Investment Management and Insurance at Barclays, was the guest speaker at the ceremony, held to mark the launch of the programme on 23 February in Johannesburg. The event also included a panel discussion by the alumni of 'Future CIO 2015' batch, who shared their experiences of being a part of the programme.

"For me, the best part about the programme was integrating new concepts with what I already know, understanding where the future of technology is and how it can be applied in solving today's problems," said Nick Mbuyane, Technical UAT Manager at MTN and 'Future CIO 2015' alumni.

The six month-programme comprises three modules covering theoretical and practical skills in technology and business. The first module, which focuses on enterprise leadership, is held at the GIBS campus in Johannesburg over four days. The second module has candidates travel to India for a week, where they experience on-the-ground innovation and receive in-depth theoretical and hands-on training on global leadership skills and technology themes at Wipro's offices in India. The last module on strategic thinking is conducted over four days at the GIBS campus. The participants in the programme have access to the best-in-class thought leadership from some of the world's leading and established technology experts, who provide invaluable insights into subjects such as 'disruptive technologies', 'barriers to innovative thinking' and 'innovating for a future market'.

Gavin Holme
Gavin Holme

The nominations for this programme have to come directly from the CEOs and boards of their respective organisations, across industry sectors, in South Africa. The candidates are further shortlisted by a panel of experts.

"For us, as a business school, it was important to create a programme that focused on understanding how the role of the CIO is evolving. There is a lot of potential in South Africa and there are many aspirant CIOs. Working with Wipro on this programme, we are proud to have been able to help some of the brightest minds to unleash their potential and fulfil their professional goals," said Abdullah Verachia, GIBS faculty lead of the Future CIO programme.

Gavin Holme, Country Manager, Africa, Wipro, said: "Technology has become central to change in both the consumer and business space, and continues to shape our existence. Keeping up with these constant changes is essential, and the Future CIO programme fills a niche in the market to address this need. There is a natural synergy that GIBS and Wipro bring to each other and to this programme. Globally, Wipro has always aligned to education initiatives, and South Africa is no different. Wipro is deeply committed to the skills transformation agenda within South Africa and, as a Level 2 broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) contributor, we actively participate in this drive."

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Wipro

Wipro (NYSE:WIT) is a leading IT, consulting and business process services company that delivers solutions to enable its clients to do business better. Wipro delivers winning business outcomes through its deep industry experience and a 360-degree view of "business through technology." By combining digital strategy, customer-centric design, advanced analytics and a product engineering approach, Wipro helps its clients create successful and adaptive businesses. A company recognised globally for its comprehensive portfolio of services, strong commitment to sustainability and good corporate citizenship, Wipro has a dedicated workforce of over 160 000, serving clients in 175+ cities across six continents. For more information, please visit www.wipro.com.

GIBS

Founded in 2000, GIBS is an internationally accredited business school based in Johannesburg, South Africa's economic hub. As the "business school for business", GIBS' purpose is to significantly improve the performance of individuals and organisations through business education in dynamic markets. Consistently rated as one of the top business schools in South Africa, in May 2015 GIBS was again ranked among the top business schools globally by the Financial Times in Africa for executive education programmes. This is the twelfth year running that GIBS has been ranked among the top business schools worldwide. In October 2015, the GIBS MBA was ranked among the top 100 business schools globally in the prestigious Financial Times Executive MBA Rankings. GIBS is the only business school in Africa to appear in this ranking.

GIBS is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA), the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and is a member of the South African Business Schools Association (SABSA), the Association of African Business Schools (AABS) and the European Academy of Business in Society (EABIS).

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