By 2010 chief information officers (CIOs) will need experience of non-IT business areas if they are to develop their careers, according to research from analyst Gartner.

There is already a growing trend for new CIOs to take on duties in areas other than straight technology, according to Gartner analyst Ken McGee.

"Candidates are not required to have formal technology-oriented backgrounds but they must be able to show that they have managed a non-technical business unit," said McGee.

"Professional qualifications and competence are still necessary for those wanting to become CIOs, but these qualities will not be sufficient in coming years."

Gartner's report is based upon interviews with the heads of recruitment at four of the world's largest headhunting firms. Together they place roughly half the CIOs joining the world's 1000 largest companies each year.