Foundry Announces International Expansion of Next CIO Leadership Program

SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / February 6, 2026 /Foundry, one of the world 's leading tech media, data and marketing services companies, today announced the international expansion of Next CIO, its acclaimed leadership development and awards program for rising technology executives. Originally launched in the UK, and following a successful expansion into Australia, Next CIO will now extend its programming to the United States, further strengthening its mission to accelerate the careers of emerging IT leaders worldwide.

Next CIO is a year-round leadership initiative designed to identify and celebrate high-potential technology professionals on the path toward senior executive roles such as CIO, CTO, or CDO. The program combines recognition with career advancement opportunities, helping participants build the strategic capabilities, visibility, and professional networks required to step into future C-suite technology leadership positions.

Central to the initiative is its annual awards celebration, which shines a spotlight on rising technology leaders who are already driving meaningful innovation and measurable business impact. Award recipients are profiled across CIO.com, elevating their presence within the global IT leadership community.

Beyond the awards, and country dependent, the program may also include year-round development offerings such as mentoring with established CIOs, executive readiness leadership workshops, and opportunities to engage with a growing peer network of high potential technology leaders.

As the program expands into the United States, Next CIO will be fully integrated into the CIO Leadership Live five-city regional event series, creating new opportunities for emerging leaders to engage with senior CIOs and influential peers. Each region will feature Next CIO networking luncheons and editorial showcases. Participants will also benefit from access to Foundry 's broader portfolio of CIO-focused events, including CIO 100 Awards & Conference, enabling deeper connections with established technology executives and greater exposure to the conversations shaping modern IT leadership. Next CIO award submission deadline in the US is March 31, 2026.

Speaking on the expansion, Romy Tuin, Global Director of Events Content, said:

"We are thrilled to launch the program in the United States as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the CIO community. This initiative provides a powerful opportunity to recognize leaders on a strong path to the technology C-suite, while building a network of future CIOs who can develop, refine, and strengthen the skills needed for executive success. "

The global expansion of Next CIO underscores Foundry 's commitment to building a diverse, future-ready pipeline of technology leaders. By bringing the program to the United States, Foundry aims to broaden access to mentorship, reduce barriers to advancement, and support rising talent at a pivotal stage in their leadership journeys.

Next CIO now operates as a unified international framework designed to champion mid-career technology professionals-creating a clear, supported pathway from rising leader to future CIO.

For more information on sponsorship and participation, visit:

US Next CIO and CIO 100 Leadership Live Event Series and US CIO 100 Awards & Conference

About Foundry

Foundry helps companies bring their visions to reality through a combination of media, marketing technologies and proprietary data on a global scale. Our platforms are powered by data from an owned and operated ecosystem of global editorial brands, awards, and events, all engineered and integrated to drive marketing campaigns for technology companies.

Foundry is one of the world 's leading tech media, data and marketing services companies, and is the proud owner of the global tech sector 's most revered media brands - CIO, Computerworld, CSO, InfoWorld, Macworld, Network World, PCWorld, Tech Advisor, TechCrunch and TechHive. To learn more, visit  foundryco.com.

About CIO.com

CIO.com is the leading digital brand for chief information officers and senior technology executives, providing trusted insights on IT leadership, strategy, innovation, and business transformation. Part of the Foundry portfolio, CIO.com delivers award‑winning journalism, research, events, and peer‑driven communities-including the prestigious CIO 100-that help technology leaders drive impact and navigate today 's rapidly evolving digital landscape.

For more information, visit www.cio.com.

Contact:

Debra Becker
VP, Event Strategy and Marketing
Foundry
Debra_becker@foundryco.com

SOURCE: Foundry

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

© 2026 ACCESS Newswire. All Rights Reserved.