This year's judges were looking for CIOs who demonstrated true innovation and leadership.

The winners for this year included 31 executives new to the CIO50 list, representing a wide range of business, non-profit, and government sectors. Over the past year, these executives have been changing their companies for the better with cutting-edge tech including artificial intelligence, machine learning, the blockchain, virtual reality, data analytics, cybersecurity, and more.

1. George Hunt, CIO of Sydney Water

Using the latest technology to conserve water and prevent service interruptions, George Hunt has helped turn Sydney Water into a hyper-connected utility provider. Projects launched under his leadership include the Spatial Hub, a tool that creates visualisations of customer issues, using data collected from over 400 IoT devices. Hunt also created #mBrace, an inclusive, staff-driven movement that promotes diversity of thought and culture in the workplace.

2. Dr Steve Hodgkinson, CIO of the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services

Dr Hodgkinson has brought an agile, platform-based approach to technology-driven initiatives at Victorian DDHS, bringing more than 35 new business systems online within the past 3 years. Key projects have included cybersecurity enhancements, the housing register online application system, a family violence referral portal and the cloud-based, API-enabled Victorian Health Incident Management System.

3. Aidan Coleman, CTO of Charter Hall

Aidan Coleman placed at #23 on last year's CIO50 list and rose twenty spots this year...