Chief information officers say that when they're picking their successors, they look for five main traits. In-depth IT skills gained from working in many roles are necessary, but so are business acumen about customers and brand, an understanding of the role and focus of fellow internal business leaders and clearly identified wins in strategic IT decision making. "They may be brilliant technologists, but without the business engagement and leadership skills, they will not make it to the higher level," says Dave Bent, CIO of United Stationers.