Two-thirds of CIOs and IT executives believe that having a strong personal brand is "very important" to the IT department of their organisation, the latest research from CIO UK and Harvey Nash reveals. But the survey, jointly carried out by CIO UK and global IT recruitment and professional services provider Harvey Nash also reveals that although CIOs understand the importance of a personal brand, many are failing to develop their brand.

A brand is what your peers think of you when they hear your name. The CIO UK Harvey Nash survey discovered that 65 per cent of respondents were physically getting out and about in the office to ensure they are seen. Others are using online networking tools.

CIOs told us that they believe the most important asset from having a strong brand is board level influence, followed by their brand giving the IT department a figurehead that can be identified with. "A brand is making yourself stand out," said Roger Scholes, head of IT and finance at trade vehicle parts supplier ZF Trading.

Ian Cohen, former CIO at Associated Newspapers said "Branding is like a product portfolio for you to present."

Cohen said CIOs have to have a strong brand risk being considered, only at the board to ensure the email works.

Over 1000 CIOs, IT Directors and CTOs were contacted last September from a dedicated list of CIO UK readers and Harvey Nash clients. The average respondent was responsible for an IT budget of £10 million (US$14.6 million).

To read the full findings of the report, please register and download the CIO Personal Branding report at: http://www.cio.co.uk/whitepapers/index.cfm?whitepaperid=106559