Why the Tech Industry Needs Chief Quality Officers
Possibly slightly tongue in cheek, but as I start my job search, why not push for something I can see the need for…
And also something that was briefly discussed at the last Quality Engineering forum, where we worked on what was next for the Quality Engineering Charter
In the ever-evolving landscape of the tech industry, innovation often takes centre stage. Companies strive to release products faster, harnessing cutting-edge technology to outpace competitors. Yet, amidst this race for speed, a critical question arises: How can we ensure that quality doesn’t take a backseat? The answer might lie in an emerging leadership role…the Chief Quality Officer (CQO).
The Case for a CQO in Tech
While industries like healthcare (Johnson and Johnson/Pfizer) and other companies like General Electrics (GE) have long embraced the role of a CQO to uphold rigorous quality standards, the tech sector has been slower to adopt this position. This is surprising, given the increasing complexity of software systems, the demands of a competitive market, and the potential consequences of quality failures—whether they manifest as security vulnerabilities, user dissatisfaction, or reputational damage. Plenty of which have been seen in 2024 and in the first 3 months of 2025. For this, see Crowdstrike amongst others…
A CQO can act as the bridge between innovation and excellence, ensuring that quality is not just an afterthought but a core component of the development process. By embedding quality into the DNA of an organisation, a CQO can drive long-term value in ways that resonate with both customers and stakeholders.
What Does a CQO Bring to the Table?
- Strategic Leadership: A CQO isn’t just a manager; they’re a strategic leader who aligns quality initiatives with business objectives. By doing so, they ensure that quality serves as a competitive differentiator rather than a cost centre.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: In tech, quality isn’t confined to the QA/QE department. It’s a shared responsibility spanning development, operations, design, and even customer support. A CQO fosters this collaboration, creating a unified approach to quality.
- Focus on Metrics and Accountability: Quality is measurable, and a CQO champions data-driven decision-making. By analysing key metrics—like defect rates, customer satisfaction scores, and delivery timelines—they provide actionable insights that improve outcomes.
- Cultural Transformation: Perhaps most importantly, a CQO drives a culture of quality. They inspire teams to prioritize excellence at every stage, from ideation to delivery, creating an environment where quality is not just a goal but a mindset.
The Benefits of a CQO Role
The introduction of a CQO can have transformative effects on a tech organisation:
- Customer Trust: Consistently delivering high-quality products builds trust and loyalty, enhancing brand reputation.
- Cost Efficiency: Preventing quality issues early in the lifecycle reduces rework, operational disruptions, and post-release fixes.
- Regulatory Compliance: In an era of increasing regulations, a CQO ensures that products and processes meet stringent requirements, avoiding costly penalties.
How to Advocate for a CQO Role
For those passionate about fostering a Culture of Quality, advocating for a CQO role begins with building a strong business case:
- Highlight the cost of poor quality and the potential return on investment of a CQO.
- Share examples of companies or industries where a CQO has driven significant improvements.
- Lead by example through quality-focused initiatives, showcasing the impact of a strategic approach.
The Future of Quality Leadership in Tech
As the tech industry continues to innovate, the need for a CQO has never been more pressing. By championing this role, we can ensure that quality remains at the forefront of technological advancement. It’s time for tech organisations to recognise that quality isn’t just a checkpoint; it’s a cornerstone of success.
It’s not going to happen overnight, but bringing Quality into the right discussions is key and one day we’ll realise this needs to be from the top…
