When Forbes Colombia released its list of the best CIOs of 2025, four names had something special in common: All of them studied Engineering at Universidad de los Andes.
These leaders are not only keeping servers running, they are using technology to improve daily life, from social services and banking to insurance and food production in Colombia and Latin America.
Their stories show how a good mix of technical skills, people skills, and vision can turn “IT departments” into engines of innovation, sustainability, and social impact.
Forbes Colombia’s 2025 CIO list and why it matters
A chief information officer, or CIO, is the person who connects technology with business goals. They help companies decide which tools to use, how to protect data, and how to support customers better.
Forbes Colombia’s 2025 ranking highlighted 25 CIOs who led important transformations in their organizations, especially around artificial intelligence, data analytics, and new digital services.
In the Uniandes article, the list is also a way to show that technology has moved from a support role to the core of innovation, competitiveness, and long‑term strategy.
Ana Maria Tobar, technology with social purpose at Colsubsidio
Tobar, a systems and computing engineer from Uniandes, now leads technology at Colsubsidio and has postgraduate studies in Spain and the United States.
She headed a digital transformation focused on people, including projects such as the Mi Colsubsidio app, which helps millions of affiliated families manage payments and access services from their phones.
Under her leadership, Colsubsidio moved from position 26 to first place in ANDI’s National Innovation Ranking in 2025, thanks to data analytics, process automation, and better user experiences.
Her story shows that technology has real impact when it reduces barriers and creates fairer access to benefits, education, and health services.
Alvaro Carmona, the digital backbone of Bancolombia
Carmona, a systems engineer from Universidad Nacional and Uniandes alumnus in systems and computing engineering, has more than 25 years of experience in the financial sector.
As vice president of technology services at Bancolombia, he led one of the country’s most ambitious tech transformations, including cloud migration, modern architectures, and stronger cybersecurity and intelligent automation.
These changes support services that millions of people use every day, such as mobile banking, payments, and digital channels, where any failure would directly affect trust and economic activity.
Forbes highlighted Bancolombia as one of the most advanced organizations in digital transformation in the region, a result that reflects Carmona’s focus on operational excellence and reliability.
Innovation engines at Seguros Bolivar and Alianza Team
German Sanchez, systems engineer with postgraduate studies in technology management and innovation from Uniandes, leads technology at Seguros Bolivar.
He has promoted open innovation and created spaces such as Ignite Lab, where multidisciplinary teams test solutions that use artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and automation to improve insurance services. He also worked at El Tiempo Casa Editorial publishing house.
At Alianza Team, industrial engineer and mathematician Maria Paula Rios, who also holds an MBA and a Ph.D. in statistics and econometrics, heads innovation and digital transformation.
Her work includes applying AI and predictive models to production processes, supporting sustainable technologies, recyclable packaging, and functional food products that respond to health and environmental concerns.
Both leaders show how data‑driven decisions and experimental spaces can turn large, traditional companies into more agile, collaborative, and sustainable organizations.
Four Uniandes engineers, one digital future
The four Uniandes engineers recognized by Forbes Colombia as CIOs of the year in 2025 represent a generation that sees technology as a driver of change, not only as a support tool.
From banking apps and insurance platforms to social services and food innovation, their leadership proves that strong CIOs can build trust, opportunity, and well-being for millions of people in Colombia. Their paths also send a clear message to new engineers and students, combining solid technical training, curiosity, and a sense of purpose can open doors to roles where technology helps design the future of the country.