Tom Sanzone, CIO of Credit Suisse, says he was attracted to his position by senior management’s commitment to technology—a commitment demonstrated by his seat on the executive board of Credit Suisse. In that role, Sanzone helps shape the bank’s overall strategy, which is based on the opportunities that his technology organization has created. At the same time, he’s bringing together three formerly independent IT organizations while keeping them aligned with the goals of their respective businesses: private banking, investment banking, and asset management.

McKinsey’s Brad Brown and Allen Weinberg recently talked with Sanzone about his leadership principles, the challenges of integrating diverse IT cultures, and the evolving role of the CIO.

The Quarterly: What challenges and opportunities attracted you to Credit Suisse?

Tom Sanzone: Many CEOs talk about how crucial technology is to the future of the company, but then they place IT two or three layers below them in the organization. I think if something’s that important, you want to keep it close. I’ve always felt that if companies are truly technology-centric, IT needs to have a seat at the table. The offer from Credit Suisse’s CEO, Oswald Grübel, to report directly to him, to sit on the...