The first 90 days of a CIO’s tenure are pivotal. Every act — or lack of action — shapes the tone, trust, and trajectory of their leadership. Whether stepping into the role for the first time or returning as a seasoned executive, CIOs must approach this period with intentionality. This guide helps CIOs navigate their first 90 days by emphasizing the foundational capabilities needed to build trust, align with business priorities, and lay the groundwork for high-performance IT (HPIT).