With a career spent steering technology through some of the world’s most complex, global organizations, Steven Capper brings a grounded, execution-first perspective to leadership that balances ambition with reality. In this Q&A, Capper, a GTIA board member and chief digital information officer at Carnival UK, reflects on how decades as a CIO/CDIO across asset‑intensive and customer‑centric industries shaped his approach to operational resilience, digital transformation and scale—and how GTIA’s peer-driven board environment has challenged and sharpened his thinking around AI, operating models and talent.
We asked Capper, who is rolling off the GTIA board at the end of April, to share the strategic priorities he’s been most passionate about advancing during his five-year tenure, from moving AI beyond experimentation to strengthening technology leadership, along with what motivates leaders to give back to the GTIA community that he has served for the last five years. Here’s what he had to say.
Your professional background encompasses complex, multinational environments. How has your broad experience shaped the perspective and expertise you bring to GTIA?
My career as a CIO/CDIO has been shaped by leading technology across highly complex, asset-intensive and customer-centric industries from global engineering and construction to travel and leisure. That combination has given me a dual lens: Operational resilience at scale alongside exceptional customer experience. I’ve led large transformations, integrations and digital programmes across organizations with tens of thousands of employees, which means I bring a pragmatic, execution-focused perspective to GTIA balancing strategy with delivery, and innovation with real-world constraints.
In what ways has your involvement with GTIA impacted your thinking or professional growth as a technology executive?
GTIA provides a valuable peer environment where ideas are challenged, not just shared. Engaging with fellow board members and global CIOs has sharpened my thinking around emerging technologies, particularly AI, operating models and talent strategies. It’s reinforced the importance of continuous learning and external perspective, especially in a role where internal focus can dominate. GTIA has helped me step back, sense-check decisions and stay connected to broader industry shifts, which is critical in maintaining relevance as a technology leader.
As a member of the GTIA board, which initiatives or strategic objectives are you most committed to advancing?
I’m particularly focused on three areas: Advancing practical AI adoption at scale, evolving modern IT operating models and strengthening leadership capability within technology functions. There’s a significant opportunity to help organizations move beyond experimentation into value-driven AI deployment. Equally, operating models must adapt to be more product-centric, agile and business-aligned. Finally, investing in leadership, building diverse, high-performing teams something I am extremely passionate about, it is essential if we are to elevate the role of IT from service provider to strategic driver of enterprise value.
What motivates you to dedicate your time to GTIA and contribute to the broader IT community?
I’ve benefited hugely from the experience and generosity of others throughout my career, so there’s a strong sense of responsibility to give back. Technology leadership can be a demanding and, at times, isolated role, so creating a community where leaders can share openly is incredibly valuable. I’m also passionate about raising the profile of our profession and helping shape the next generation of leaders. GTIA provides a platform to do both contributing to the industry while continuing to learn and evolve personally. I will be stepping down in April and have really enjoyed my time with GTIA over the last 5 years.
Let’s end with something personal. What’s one fun fact most people might not know about you?
Outside of the boardroom, I’m a passionate golfer and have been fortunate enough to play some incredible courses around the world and played with many famous golfers. I’m still chasing consistency! I once played a round in Scotland with Gary Player who said he has never seen someone slice a ball so far in his life as my ball went over the trees and crossed three holes!
Meet the GTIA Board of Directors! Read the blog series.
