Professional Title and Role
Chris Nardecchia holds the position of Senior Vice President, Information Technology and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Rockwell Automation, a role he has occupied since November 2017. He also carries the designation of Chief Digital & Information Officer, reflecting a broad responsibility encompassing both IT and digital innovation leadership at the company.
Scope of Responsibilities
Chris is accountable for setting the strategic vision, operational excellence, and leading change management related to information technology initiatives and architecture across Rockwell Automation globally. This includes driving corporate IT strategy and internal transformation efforts, with a particular focus on developing and implementing digital solutions that enhance the company’s capabilities in industrial automation and digital transformation.
Under his leadership, Chris directs the digital and IT teams to produce award-winning digital, AI, and data analytics initiatives that accelerate business innovation and growth. His role involves overseeing the integration of “digital threads” into Rockwell Automation’s hardware offerings to enable the company’s shift towards an “as-a-service” business model, expanding market reach and revenue opportunities.
Chris proactively fosters a culture of digital transformation through a "community of support" model, which enhances organizational agility, resilience, and sustainability. He is recognized for transformative leadership that advances the company’s enterprise technology and digital strategy.
Notable Achievements and Awards
- Under Chris’s leadership, Rockwell Automation has been consistently recognized as a CIO 100 Award winner for four consecutive years (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) by Foundry’s CIO magazine, an acknowledgment of the company’s innovative and impactful IT projects.
- Chris has been publicly recognized as a “CIO to Know” in the manufacturing and industrial automation space, evidencing his influence and standing in the sector.
- He has guided key digital transformation projects including the internally recognized "Rockwell on Rockwell" initiative, which leveraged IT to significantly advance operational and strategic outcomes within Rockwell Automation.
Professional Background and Education
Prior to Rockwell Automation, Chris served as Vice President and CIO of Global Operations and Supply Chain at Amgen, Inc. He also held leadership roles at Pfizer and Warner-Lambert, providing him extensive experience in pharmaceutical, chemical, and manufacturing industries.
Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an MBA from Michigan State University, combining technical expertise with strong business acumen.
Industry and Strategic Focus
Chris operates within the industrial automation and Internet of Things (IoT) sector, focusing on how digital technologies and data analytics can drive enterprise growth, operational transformation, and sustainability performance. His strategy emphasizes embedding digital capabilities throughout Rockwell Automation’s product and service portfolio to enhance customer value and create competitive differentiation.
He frequently engages in industry thought leadership forums and digital transformation summits, sharing insights on evolving CIO roles, the integration of IT with business functions, and leveraging digital transformation for sustainable growth.
This report provides a comprehensive and detailed profile of Chris Nardecchia’s role, influence, achievements, and strategic focus at Rockwell Automation, highlighting his pivotal position in driving the company's IT and digital transformation agenda.
