A large-scale digital transformation is a complex, cross-functional endeavor that cannot be effectively managed by a single individual or a high-level governance committee. The best approach is to establish a dedicated digital task force or a similar cross-functional team. This team brings together representatives and experts from various business units (e.g., IT, marketing, operations, finance, HR) to ensure a holistic perspective. This collaborative structure is essential for defining a cohesive strategy, coordinating interdependent initiatives, managing change, and driving the implementation of the programme in alignment with the organization's overall strategic objectives.

A. The Chief Digital Officer leads and champions the transformation but does not have the capacity or breadth of skills to define and implement it alone.

C. Implementing initiatives separately leads to a fragmented, uncoordinated effort, creating silos and preventing the realization of synergistic value from a holistic programme.

D. The organization's governing body is responsible for setting strategic direction and providing oversight (governance), not the detailed operational work of defining and implementing the programme.

1. AXELOS, ITIL® 4: Digital and IT Strategy. TSO (The Stationery Office), 2020.

Section 4.4.2, "Organizing for digital transformation," discusses various organizational models for transformation. It highlights the effectiveness of creating dedicated, cross-functional teams (such as a task force or a digital transformation office) to lead and coordinate the effort across the organization, breaking down traditional silos.

Section 3.2.2, "The role of the C-suite," clarifies that while a CDO or CIO may lead the digital strategy, its execution is a collaborative effort requiring broad organizational involvement, not the sole responsibility of one executive.

Section 2.3, "Governance," describes the role of the governing body in directing and controlling the organization. Their function is to set policy and ensure objectives are met, not to be involved in the day-to-day implementation of programmes.