The Technology VanguardThe Technology Vanguard
Chris Caruso

Guest

Chris Caruso

Retired Vice President & CIO · PPG Industries

He sees technology leadership as a commitment to grow people and make difficult decisions, not a reward for technical excellence.

Chris Caruso is the retired Vice President and CIO of PPG Industries and an author, speaker and advisor behind The Impactful Technology Leader. PPG documents a 24-year career with the company, including his appointment to vice president of IT in 2016 and retirement in 2021. In his conversation with Bob Hansen, he connects purpose, business innovation, lateral career experience and everyday supervisor behavior with the lasting impact of leadership.

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The conversation

Retired PPG CIO Chris Caruso talks with Bob Hansen about a career that began in software development and became a commitment to helping people grow. He describes finding meaningful innovation when promotions stalled, why IT should help shape business opportunities, and the difficult decisions that come with leadership. The conversation connects a career lattice, mentoring, individual recognition and a durable sense of purpose with executive impact.

Lessons from this leader

  • Choose leadership for its potential impact on people, not its status.
  • When upward movement stalls, use the current role to create value and pursue meaningful work.
  • Build leadership ability through real listening, purpose-led communication and responsibility for difficult decisions.
  • Treat culture as daily supervisor behavior, supported by mentoring and individual recognition.

Appearances