How to Become a CIO

Newly appointed Chief Investment Officers (CIOs) often bear incredible responsibility with potential success largely decided by the actions they take within the first 100 days. Drawing from my own experience, as well as the experiences of others, I aim to share a digestible, attainable strategy that can help others as they navigate this challenging yet rewarding path.

Key Takeaways

The CIO role is a balance of analytical and emotional intelligence

The role encompasses a blend of strategic decision-making, management, and administrative duties that may be less prevalent in earlier-stage jobs. To be a successful CIO, I believe it’s critical to find a balance between strategic and organizational needs, while also addressing any stakeholder sensitivities.

Aspiring CIOs need a 100-day plan to yield success and build trust in an organization

While a 100-day plan may allow an incoming CIO to be thoughtful and strategic in their execution strategy, it also highlights organizational skills and approach to stakeholder management to their new employer.

In this report, I will share a step-by-step outline to help ease your transition to becoming a CIO

By sharing these insights, my goal is to support aspiring CIOs in understanding the complexities of the role, smoothing the path to gaining stakeholder trust and buy-in, and to inspire confidence as they embark on their own leadership journey.

Author(s)

Elizabeth Burton

Client Investment Strategist, Client Solutions Group

From The Desk of Elizabeth Burton

Elizabeth Burton draws from her own experience to help newly appointed Chief Investment Officers (CIOs) navigate the role.

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For illustrative purposes only. Performance results vary depending on the client’s investment goals, objectives, and constraints. There can be no assurance that the same or similar results to those presented above can or will be achieved

Views and opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a recommendation by Goldman Sachs Asset Management to buy, sell, or hold any security. Views and opinions are current as of the date of this publication and may be subject to change, they should not be construed as investment advice.

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This material is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities. This material is not intended to be used as a general guide to investing, or as a source of any specific investment recommendations, and makes no implied or express recommendations concerning the manner in which any client’s account should or would be handled, as appropriate investment strategies depend upon the client’s investment objectives.

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These are the views of Elizabeth Burton, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs Asset Management. The views and opinions that I express today are my own and are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a recommendation by Goldman Sachs Asset Management for you to take any action. Individual portfolio management teams for Goldman Sachs Asset Management may have views and opinions and/or make investment decisions that, in certain instances, may not always be consistent with the views and opinions expressed herein. Views and opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a recommendation by Goldman Sachs Asset Management to buy, sell, or hold any security. Views and opinions are current as of the date of this presentation and may be subject to change, they should not be construed as investment advice.

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Date of first use: April 10, 2025