Chris Caruso

Based in Pittsburgh PA
Technology Leadership, Innovation, Stem, Workplace Culture, Employee Engagement, Technology Innovation, Technology Best Practices, Inspiring, Motivational, Innovative
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CHRIS CARUSO

Technology Leader  •  Author  •  Speaker  •  Mentor

Author of The Impactful Technology Leader  |  Former VP of IT & CIO, PPG

 

“It’s not about the technology; it’s about the impact.”

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY

Chris Caruso spent forty years leading technology organizations through rapid change and innovation. As Vice President of Information Technology and CIO at PPG, he directed IT strategy across businesses operating in more than 70 countries. His team received multiple CIO 100 Awards for innovative use of technology and was repeatedly recognized among Computerworld’s “Best Places to Work in IT.” In 2016, Chris was named a Computerworld Premier 100 Technology Leader. He is also a co-inventor of six patents related to digital paint color selection tools.

Now, Chris focuses on sharing what he’s learned. He serves as a guest lecturer for Carnegie Mellon University’s Chief Information and Digital Officer (CIDO) program and mentors university students and emerging technology leaders. He advises nonprofits on their digital strategies and is the author of The Impactful Technology Leader. His perspective comes from real-world experience navigating the daily challenges technology leaders face in the boardroom, across global teams, and at every level of the organization.

SIGNATURE SPEAKING TOPICS

Chris speaks to the gap between being a great technologist and being a truly impactful leader and offers the practical playbook to cross it. His talks draw directly on four decades of global technology leadership and the frameworks in his book.

Impacting the Firm

  • Breaking free from the technology treadmill to become the innovation driver your firm needs.
  • The proven discovery skills of award-winning CIOs and technology executives.

Impacting the Team

  • Building workplaces where technology professionals thrive and grow their careers.
  • How the best tech leaders develop talent, careers, and lasting team performance.

Impacting the Profession

  • Expanding and diversifying the tech talent pipeline for the next generation.
  • Opening doors and mentoring emerging technology leaders.

THREE LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES AT THE HEART OF THE TALK

  • Prioritize People. Every decision, strategy, and initiative flows through the people involved.
  • Focus on People Development. Growing others is the most impactful activity a technology leader can undertake.
  • Direct Involvement Signals True Commitment. Leaders who engage in the work prove their values are real, not just aspirational.

IDEAL AUDIENCES

  • Aspiring technology leaders making the transition into management roles.
  • Technology managers and directors seeking to grow their organizational influence.
  • CIOs, CTOs, CDOs, and VPs of IT looking to sharpen their leadership effectiveness.

WHY BRING CHRIS TO YOUR STAGE

In today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape, technical depth is a baseline expectation, not a differentiator. Chris shows audiences how to combine deep technical knowledge with strategic business acumen, genuine care for their people, and a commitment to elevating the profession itself. Grounded in real experience rather than theory, his sessions send leaders home inspired with practical frameworks they can apply immediately.

RECOGNITION & CREDENTIALS

  • 40 years leading global technology organizations across 70+ countries.
  • Former VP of IT & CIO, PPG.
  • Multiple CIO 100 Awards; repeatedly named a Computerworld “Best Place to Work in IT.”
  • Co-inventor of six patents in digital paint color selection tools.
  • Guest lecturer, Carnegie Mellon University CIDO program; mentor and nonprofit digital strategy advisor.