Middle East's 10 Most Influential CIOs to Watch

VOL: 04 ISSUE: 04 2024 10 Most Inuential to CIOs Watch Zohdi El- Saadi

, , , , Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants. - Epictetus

Editor’s Note onsidering how fast consumer behavior changes seamless, tailored experiences such as personalized product and how customer expectations are progressing recommendations, intuitive user interfaces, and proactive C every day, organizations need to ask themselves customer service. how long they can maintain their position in the market as providers of "good" customer experiences. Here, all eyes With this in mind, The CIO World has brought forth the come to the CIO. The position is crucial since businesses latest edition, ‘Middle East's 10 Most Influential CIOs to are focusing more on using digital channels to make client Watch,’ highlighting Chief Information Officers who are interactions smarter, more captivating, and more integrating the transforming digital marketplace with drive Securing Market transparent. Put simply, CIOs are in charge of the global and inventiveness. These industry leaders are deliberately digital economy. creating experiences that are not simply good but Leadership extraordinary, rather than passively responding to shifts in Nowadays, CIOs are responsible for promoting the digital customer behavior. economy and making certain their companies remain Through competitive. They have to ensure that the digital platforms This issue explores the personal stories of imaginative CIOs used by their businesses are transparent, clever, and who are propelling their companies through digital Exemplary enticing, giving clients the knowledge they need to make transformations to become leaders in growth and customer experience. Every story demonstrates the critical role these wise choices. people played in negotiating the tricky nexus of business, Experiences technology, and customer expectations. IT infrastructure management is no longer the sole responsibility of the CIO. Rather, they are now expected to Have a good read ahead! lead the digital transformation, making sure that their companies are at the center of creativity and providing an Alaya Brown outstanding customer experience. This calls for a thorough comprehension of the wants and needs of the consumer as well as the capacity to use technology and data to create

Zohdi El-Saadi Pioneering Innovation, Bridging 08 Generations, and Transforming Businesses David Vitrano Internationalization for 36 SMEs Made Easy Ali Katkhada Transforming Visions into 18 Digital Realities Khalid Alissa 28 Driving Digital Transformation 24 in Education Manish Agarwal When Good Intentions An Adept and Passionate CIO 32 Go Wrong! Revolutionizing the FMCG Sector 6 Ways CIOs Unintentionally Hinder IT Consultant Success Mario Foster Transforming Industries Through 40 Innovation and Insight 44 Mustafa Gul Laying Foundation for Long-term 48 Organizational Success Protecting Your Tech Investments! Rany M. Sabry IT Consultant Tricks CIOs Elevating Business 52 should Never Fall for Creative Technologies

Company Name Featuring Descrip?on A computer engineer with a graduate diploma in Depa United Group Ali Katkhada telecommunica?ons, a master's in engineering and technology www.depa.com management, and cer?fica?ons in PMP, ITIL, AWS, GDPR, OCP, Chief Informa?on Officer Defi, and Blockchain. A dis?nguished CIO, cybersecurity consultant, and keynote Imam Abdulrahman speaker with a passion for IT. Awarded "Outstanding Khalid Alissa bin Faisal leadership in educa?on" and first place in digital Chief Informa?on Officer University (IAU) transforma?on in educa?on sector in Saudi Arabia. Western Editor-in-Chief Thanh Truong As CIO Dr. Lenish is a visionary IT execu?ve, leveraging his Interna?onal Group Dr. Lenish Kannan extensive experience to modernize infrastructure, enhance Deputy Editor Sam Carter www.western Chief Informa?on Officer security, and foster data-driven decision-making. interna?onalllc.com Managing Editor Alaya Brown Assistant Editor Maria Evans With a rich background in IT leadership across diverse sectors, M.H. Enterprises L.L.C Manish is driven by a profound love for technology's power to Manish Agarwal www.mhdubai.com Visualizer Chris Carter revolu?onize business. His exper?se fuels organiza?onal Chief Informa?on Officer growth in the digital age. Art & Design Head Millie Simon Being a group CIO for 15 years in Middle Eastern family Art & Design Assitant Judy Smith businesses, Mario drives innova?on and opera?onal excellence Mario Foster Al Ghurair Group through digital and business transforma?ons. Commi?ed to Business Development Manager Phoebe Jacob Group CIO www.alghurair.com people, culture, and enabling businesses to thrive in the digital era. Business Development Executives Aisha, Olivia Technical Head David Walker With a background in innova?on and product growth, Mustafa, as a CIO and Product Incuba?on Leader, is driven by curiosity Ascend Solu?ons Mustafa Gul Assitant Technical Head Mia Rodricks and a relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries to create www.ascend.com.sa Chief Informa?on Officer meaningful impact. Helena Smith Digital Marketing Manager Research Analyst Eric Smith Credit Guarantee With over 25 years in ICT, Rany is an experienced leader adept Rany Sabry Company at shaping modern business strategies and leveraging Circulation Manager Richard Martinez Chief Informa?on Officer www.ncgtc.in technology for enhanced organiza?onal performance. Senior IT execu?ve with 15+ years of exper?se in IT strategy, Abdulrahman Saad transforma?on, and leadership. Proven track record of Tahseen Alaktaa AlRashid & Sons Co delivering business impact and thriving in mul?cultural Chief Informa?on Officer www.artar.com.sa environments. Follow us on www.facebook.com/thecioworld Ini?ally pursuing a different path, Younis found his calling in DUBAI CUSTOMS www.twitter.com/thecioworld the technology sector through a chance encounter. Younis Othman www.dubaicustoms. Recognizing his poten?al for cri?cal thinking and problem- Chief Informa?on Officer We are also available on gov.ae solving. RNI No.: MAHENG/2018/75953 Having witnessed and shaped digital landscapes since the IKK Group dawn of personal compu?ng, Zohdi's fascina?on with coding, Zohdi El-Saadi Copyright © 2024 The CIO World, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine www.ikkgroup.com design, and informa?on exchange led to a successful career in Chief Informa?on Officer should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, technology. photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from The CIO World. Reprint rights remain solely with The CIO World.

Zohdi Zohdi El-Saadi Chief Informa?on Officer IKK Group El- Saadi Pioneering Innovation, Bridging Generations, and Transforming Businesses The key to effective collaboration in any team is having the right person in the right place; this will facilitate promoting collaboration and team spirit and will enable supporting personal achievements. C O V E R S T O R Y

Middle East's 10 Most Influen?al CIOs to Watch Enthusiastically Captivated by Technology from its Nascent Stages! Ever heard the saying that we're living in the age of convenience? Well, guess what? We totally are! o you remember when going to the bank used to be a dreaded task? The long lines, the never-ending D forms, and the painful wait for our turn? And who can forget the trouble of searching through a big, dusty dictionary just to find the meaning of one word? But hey, times have changed, haven't they? Since everything became digital, we've gotten access to all kinds of conveniences, some of which we hadn't even imagined before. Technology The choice of enthusiasts, with their passion and dedication to technology, made all of this possible, making our lives easier and less capable and stressful. qualified partners Zohdi El-Saadi, the Chief Information Officer at IKK and technology Group, is one such visionary. With a career defined by a boundless passion for technology, he has not only witnessed vendors is an the evolution of digital landscapes but has been an active participant in shaping them. important factor—those who Zohdi's journey began in the early days of personal computing, when IBM PCs and Apple Macintosh devices can support were in their nascent stages. It was during this time that his fascination with technology was ignited. From the very achieving and outset, he was captivated by the world of application maintaining the coding, design, databases, and the intricate exchange of information between various technologies. What started as group's mission and a passion soon evolved into an academic pursuit and a thriving professional career. vision and work in coordination with The allure of technology's constant evolution, the challenge of staying at the forefront of innovation, and the prospect of the team as one integrating these cutting-edge technologies into daily life and business practices all played pivotal roles in Zohdi's entity to help journey. For him, the dynamism of the tech world was not a develop and improve deterrent but a magnetic force drawing him in. IT services and In his current role, Zohdi-El-Saadi is steering the corporate centralized IT department through a digital odyssey. IKK deliver projects. Group, with its diverse portfolio and international presence, requires a visionary and devoted CIO who can harness technology's transformative power. Below are the highlights of the interview:

The IKK Group's History and Vision To overcome these hurdles, a multifaceted array of techniques and solutions was adeptly employed. Foremost The Isam Khairi Kabbani Group, a prominent leader in the among these was the implementation of comprehensive Saudi Business and Construction Sector for over five training and awareness programs, engaging all pertinent decades, building a remarkable success story and an stakeholders in each project. This approach aimed to foster enduring legacy. With a history spanning back to 1968, this a shared comprehension of project objectives and the distinguished conglomerate, comprising over 40 companies associated advantages, with a particular focus on enhancing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, has overall productivity through the automation of processes. continually evolved and thrived. The founder, Sheikh Isam The ultimate goal was to bring about a positive Alkabbani, embarked on this remarkable journey after a transformation in the organization's human capital, career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the OPEC empowering existing staff to elevate their knowledge and organization. In 1969, he made the pivotal move to Jeddah, capabilities for optimal utilization of novel solutions. laying the foundation for the group's inaugural company in 1970. Strategies for Effective Team Management The Founder's Philosophy for the Next Generation espouses Zohdi emphasized that effective collaboration in any team the principles of vision, transparency, and unwavering hard relies on having the right individuals in the appropriate work as the cornerstones of success, transcending roles. This fosters collaboration and team spirit and professional boundaries. This philosophy has shaped the supports personal achievements. Furthermore, selecting group's rich history of innovation, consistently delivering capable and qualified partners and technology vendors is top-tier products and solutions that adhere to both local and crucial. They should be able to align with the team's mission and vision, working together as one entity to international quality standards, thereby enhancing the enhance IT services and successfully deliver projects. construction industry and beyond. Their reach extends to over 20 countries worldwide. Implementing a professional organizational chart for the sub-IT units or departments within the centralized IT Under the steadfast guidance of Chairman Mr. Hassan Al department helps segregate authorities and responsibilities. Kabbani, the driving force and primary advocate, the This ensures that the right resources are allocated to each centralized IT department was established over 15 years project or task. However, it is essential to maintain highly ago. His visionary initiative and unwavering support have efficient and fully orchestrated communication and ushered in a new era of cutting-edge technology, collaboration between these entities at all times. By epitomized by a state-of-the-art modern data center and the integrating these subunits and departments, teamwork delivery of IT services that adhere to international becomes a natural outcome rather than just a requirement standards, benefiting a workforce of more than 4500 when delivering a specific service or project. employees and 14000 workers within the group. This significant achievement was further bolstered by the Driving Technology Initiatives resolute backing of Group CEO Mr. Amr Alkabbani. His continued support and sponsorship, coupled with a As a CIO, Zohdi's primary responsibility is to actively seek commitment to empowerment and the facilitation of and promote ideas and projects that contribute to business automation and cybersecurity solutions, have further growth and facilitate daily operations. Additionally, he solidified the group's impressive success story. occasionally proposes new technologies that may open up new opportunities for existing business units. The Challenges in Managing IT for Jeddah Municipality organizational chart of their profession-based structure ensures that each unit or sub-department has the necessary Zohdi encountered a formidable challenge in the realm of resources and autonomy to propose and test new initiatives change management, with the added complexity of quelling that address business needs or improve existing processes, resistance to change within the constraints of swift project in collaboration with business owners. Numerous examples delivery and stringent timeframes. This challenge was of such initiatives include the implementation of further amplified by the imperative to concurrently initiate consolidated data dashboards and reports, which provide numerous projects and deploy an array of new services. The comprehensive insights into various operational aspects intricacies were compounded by the necessity to collaborate such as sales, inventory, project status, leads, and seamlessly with external agencies and stakeholders while collection. ensuring meticulous task synchronization.

Furthermore, integrated systems have been introduced to enhance existing processes, such as the ERP cash van sales and warehouse management system. All of these initiatives are carefully tailored to the specific requirements and demands of the business, taking into account both local and global economic factors as well as the latest technological trends. A major driving force behind these initiatives is the IKK Group's vision and mission, which are fully aligned with the ambitious Vision 2030 of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This vision aims to lead the country towards a future of technological advancement, wherein all government processes and communications, whether with individuals or businesses, are fully automated. This necessitates continuous integration projects with the extensive backend infrastructure that governs the entire data and technology systems of the kingdom. Ensuring Quality IT Services & Cybersecurity Zohdi, while discussing the key factors that contribute to successful service delivery and customer service in the IT Navigating Challenges in the IT Industry industry, emphasized the importance of managing, maintaining, and supporting services according to standards The IKK Group faces a significant challenge daily, which and best practices. As an IT services provider for a diverse involves the users' adaptation to new technologies and the group of companies, the centralized IT department has corresponding measurements and risks associated with implemented the ITIL framework across all offered IT them. One of the key concerns is the increasing services. This includes service planning, deployment, and cybersecurity and information security risks that arise every support for all users within the group. Users can access a second. The department is dedicated to promoting user service catalog through an internal web address, and these awareness and implementing stricter measures for accessing services are closely monitored for availability and and operating IT services while ensuring that these continuity. solutions do not overly complicate users' daily operations. The department places a strong emphasis on educating and Periodic reports are generated to track the status of service informing all users about new technologies and the level agreements (SLAs) for requests and incidents, as well associated risks through targeted campaigns, workshops, as surveys and service status reports that help improve and and public events. To further this effort, an important maintain service quality. To further demonstrate their initiative took place in February 2023, where the commitment to operational excellence, the department has department collaborated with local chapters/teams of achieved ISO 20000 accreditation. The IT services Microsoft, VEAM, and Palo Alto Networks to organize a management unit conducts regular internal reviews and unique event in the kingdom. This event, known as CEAK collaborates with third-party audit firms to ensure 2023 (Cybersecurity Event for Awareness and Knowledge), compliance controls are maintained and to perform the brought together internal and external executive invitees to annual periodic audit process for renewal. In addition, the highlight the significance of collaboration among entities in centralized IT department undergoes a bi-annual third-party the fields of technology and cybersecurity awareness. cybersecurity audit, covering major information security controls aligned with international standards, and is Implementing Technology for Efficiency and accredited and certified by Saudi ARAMCO CCC Productivity (Cybersecurity Compliance Certifications). Zohdi mentioned that the centralized IT department has undertaken numerous initiatives and projects, particularly focused on process automation.

the group. Users are assisted through an automated service desk that offers full visibility into each support ticket. This service desk is closely monitored through automated SLA triggers and reports, along with a unified call center. The IT I have always considered procurement unit is responsible for managing all IT systems, hardware, and software purchases. They work in myself passionate about close coordination with various finance departments within technology since the the group to effectively manage the department's budget and financial operations. Their ERP/Applications Consultants early days of IBM Unit provides functional and technical consultation, as well as implementation and support for core business systems personal computers and and applications used by the group's companies in various Apple Macintosh devices, business lines, such as trading, manufacturing, and specialized contracting. Additionally, their development and the early stages of unit handles all necessary customizations for these operating systems as applications and develops customized reports and dashboards tailored to each company's needs, as well as well. I have always been consolidated reports for the entire group. keen on applications The HR/MIS unit supports all internal information systems, coding, designing, and including the main HR system, and ensures seamless integration with other internal information systems. The working with databases back-end infrastructure and cybersecurity department and the exchange of oversees the operations and management of the group's data center hardware and services. They work diligently to information between configure and secure the required platform for all operations, prioritizing the safety, continuity, and different technologies. confidentiality of their IT services. The ERP and applications consultants, as well as the These specialized internal departments and units operate support unit and development unit, conduct thorough cohesively, much like a well-organized beehive, to ensure analysis and design of both existing and new processes. the safe and continuous delivery of all IT services with the This is done to align enterprise applications or create utmost confidentiality. tailored solutions that enhance overall business operations. Moreover, the department implements system integrations Career Advice for specific trading and manufacturing business lines within the organization, incorporating vertical and specialized Zohdi suggests that a key piece of advice is to focus on self- solutions. Additionally, various services are introduced to development to stay up-to-date with beneficial and enhance productivity through the utilization of cloud-based business-oriented technological trends. By staying informed business tools, hosting services, and modern about new technological innovations, businesses can communication solutions. improve their operations and achieve their objectives more efficiently. As responsibilities and work scope increase, it Facilitating Collaboration becomes important to enhance conceptual and emotional skills alongside technical skills to have a broader The centralized IT department within the IKK group of understanding of the business and its components. companies consists of collaborative sub-departments and Leadership should not be limited to technical team units that work together to provide comprehensive IT leadership but should also involve being a role model and services and solutions for all companies and departments influencer for the team, helping them discover their talents within the group. The IT customer support department, and utilize them to achieve desired business outcomes. known as the front-end department, is the main point of Ultimately, IT serves as a major enabler for any type of contact for all daily technical and IT-related needs across business.

Middle East's 10 Most Influen?al CIOs to Watch Ali Katkhada Transforming Visions into Digital Reali?es Leveraging Technology to Drive Cultural Change and Consulting in the US, where he played a momentous role in Business Transformation! providing cutting-edge IT consultancy services, including developing voting solutions for the federal US government. nnovation is not about technology; it is about the Transitioning to the Middle East, he assumed the role of people who make it happen through their Head of IT Department for a prominent global interior I inventiveness, teamwork, and persistent hunger for contracting group listed on various stock exchanges. progress. While technology delivers the tools and framework, it is the imagination and determination of Currently at Depa United Group, Ali coordinates the digital people that propel it forward. transformation initiatives across all business units. The group's portfolio spans diverse sectors, including Consider the most influential innovators in history, from hospitality, social infrastructure, economic infrastructure, Thomas Edison to Steve Jobs. What differentiated them was yachts and marine projects, and aircraft projects across their knowledge of technology and the ability to see regions like the Middle East and North Africa, Europe, possibilities where others saw limitations. They understood Asia, and North America. Notable projects under his that innovation wasn't confined to the realm of circuits and purview include iconic landmarks like Burj Al Arab, Burj code; it was about understanding human needs, solving Khalifa, Atlantis, Fermont, Apple stores, Dubai Airport, real-world problems, and enhancing the human experience. Flame Towers in Baku, sun and sands in Singapore, and other prestigious hotels worldwide. Meet Ali Katkhada, Group Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Depa United Group, who personifies this principle. Bringing a wealth of experience and a stellar Ali Katkhada educational background to the table, Alis’s journey in the Group CIO tech industry is nothing short of impressive. With a solid Depa United Group foundation as a Computer Engineer and a graduate diploma Web 3, blockchain, NFT, Defi, in Telecommunication Engineering, he further honed his skills by obtaining a Master's Degree in Engineering and Digital Twins, and Technology Management from Portland State University in Metaverse—I'm very fascinated Oregon, USA. Not stopping there, Ali holds a prestigious with all these technologies and array of certifications, including PMP, ITIL, AWS, EU GDPR Practitioner, OCP, Defi Master, and Blockchain the disrup?on they can do to all Expert. industries and human life. His career path is marked by significant milestones. Previously, Ali contributed his expertise at Saber 18 19 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

environmental conditions. So if a carpenter is required personal agendas with company goals. Implementing a Our business units and investments are all centered around on the fifth floor and he is on the first floor, that means robust change management strategy is essential to address two operating hubs in the UAE and Saudi, in addition to the he was hanging out and not working. All the users' fears of replacement and mitigate disruptions caused German Super Yacht business. allowing Depa Group to act construction sites appear on a heat map for HR to by new technologies. Providing ample training, as a single point of contact for the most complex interior monitor labor productivity. comprehensive manuals, instructional videos, establishing projects. centers of excellence, and fostering focus groups are crucial • Web 3, blockchain, NFT, Defi, Digital Twins, and steps. Additionally, fostering an incentive-driven culture As a CIO, how would you approach aligning our Metaverse: I'm very fascinated with all these with recognition and awards further motivates and engages technology strategies with our business objectives to technologies and the disruption they can do to all stakeholders in the project's success. drive growth and efficiency? industries and human life. Metaverse, for example, is poised to revolutionize construction by replacing Collaboration and communication are crucial aspects of The CIOs who chose to work in non-IT businesses where expensive physical mockups. Clients can virtually IT leadership. How do you plan to foster collaboration IT is not the revenue generator but rather a cost center. experience different designs, materials, and colors, between IT and other departments within our company What the business focuses on is revenue and gross profit. saving time and resources. We took the initiative long to enhance overall productivity and innovation? We have to understand that the role of IT has evolved ago using the Unity gaming engine and VR technology, beyond being just a business enabler; it has become a but now what Metaverse and digital twins can do is Fostering collaboration between IT and other departments is phenomenal work. We had a project in the metaverse critical strategic partner integral to organizational success. crucial, and it's part of the CIO's role to cultivate a familial showing what our group is capable of doing by In today's digital age, IT is not merely a support function atmosphere within the department where everyone is showing our previously completed project portfolio but a driver of innovation, efficiency, and competitive committed to the function's success. Additionally, the CIO together in one city in the metaverse. Furthermore, we advantage. It plays a pivotal role in shaping business serves as a bridge between IT terminology and simple have done a project in NFT for employee identity strategies, enhancing customer experiences, protecting the business language. We established clear communication management and given some utility for them to enjoy. business investments and enabling new revenue streams. channels and encouraged collaborative projects. Furthermore, we promoted a culture of transparency and How do you plan to ensure data security and In your opinion, what emerging technologies do you knowledge sharing to boost productivity and drive believe will have the most significant impact on our compliance with regulations in our organization, innovation throughout the organization. This involved industry, and how would you integrate them into our particularly in light of evolving cybersecurity threats? creating centers of excellence for each business function existing infrastructure? and serving as communities where all stakeholders discuss Below are the interview highlights: We set up a comprehensive cyber security strategy to ensure changes. Focus groups, comprising superusers, review and In my construction industry, there are several new emerging data security and regulatory compliance within our approve proposed changes before implementation by IT. Could you please brief us about Depa United Group and technologies from the fourth industrial revolution that I'm organization. This includes conducting regular risk Moreover, all training materials and policies are centralized its inception story? keeping an eye on and taking some initiative to try, like: assessments, deploying advanced security measures, setting within these centers of excellence. up security awarness program including educating Depa Group is a leading interior contractor that comprises • 4D/5D Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM is employees on cybersecurity best practices, quoarterly spam three key business units and investments, which span already widely used in our industry and in most of our attack simulation, , staying updated on regulations as a various sectors of the interior construction market. projects in KSA and Dubai, but 4D/5D BIM adds time publicly listed company, developing an incident response and cost dimensions, enabling real-time scheduling, plan, continuously monitoring for threats, and fostering The Group delivers hospitality, commercial (offices and cost tracking, and clash detection. This can optimize partnerships for insights and resources. retail), social infrastructure, economic infrastructure, yachts resource allocation, prevent delays, and improve and marine, high-rise and low-rise residential, and aircraft project budgeting. Can you provide examples of successful IT projects projects in selected countries in the Middle East and North you've led in the past and the strategies you employed to Fostering an incen?ve-driven Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning ensure they were completed on time and within budget? culture with recogni?on and (ML): AI automates repetitive tasks like safety Depa has proudly set the standards of excellence in interior analysis, material procurement, and progress tracking. • ERP implementations across eight different jurisdictions awards further mo?vates and implementation, as evidenced by the delivery of the most ML can optimize project planning, predict risks, and • NFT for employee identity management. engages stakeholders in the iconic projects in the Middle East, Asia, and other regions. recommend solutions. • Award-winning Metaverse for a corporate portfolio Listed on the Nasdaq Dubai and headquartered in the showcase and FFNE Catalogue project's success. United Arab Emirates and Saudi, Depa Group provides a • Internet of Things (IoT) and Sensor Technology: we • IOT for labor performance management. solid supporting structure and guidance to its Key Business have done in Depa one initiative in one of our projects Units (KBUs). With an expansive geographic network, the as we implemented IOT in the helmet of the labor to The primary strategy for ensuring the success of any IT group can deliver complex and prestigious projects across measure manpower productivity, so we collect real- project is to prioritize cultural change and empower the globe. time data on performance, safety, movement, and individuals by understanding their concerns and aligning 20 21 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

stakeholders due to concerns about disruptions and usability. To overcome this, my team and I initiated comprehensive stakeholder engagement, including detailed change management program addressed concerns through transparent communication, central of excelence and provided extensive training and support. Ultimately, these efforts led to a successful implementation with minimal disruptions and improved overall efficiency. What metrics or KPIs do you believe are essential for measuring the effectiveness of our IT initiatives, and how would you ensure that our IT investments deliver tangible results? The choice of KPIs depends on the specific role within IT. For technical team members, KPIs should primarily focus on technical aspects, such as system uptime, response times, user satisfaction, and project delivery within budget and timeline. Conversely, for senior roles like the CIO, KPIs should align more closely with business objectives. These may include Given the rapid pace of technological change, how do metrics related to revenue generation, backlog management, you stay updated on the latest trends and advancements net profit, and the alignment between IT initiatives and in the field of information technology, and how would overarching business goals. Ensuring such alignment you leverage this knowledge for the benefit of our guarantees that our investments yield tangible results in company? terms of efficiency gains, cost savings, and competitive advantages. Remaining abreast of technological trends is imperative for sustaining our company's competitive advantage, especially Cultural fit is essential for success in any leadership role. given the rapid evolution of technology every six months. I How would you describe your leadership style, and how actively engage in prominent IT summits, conferences, and do you envision it fitting into the culture of our company? professional networks, including participation in the CIO Club. I embrace a leadership approach that is collaborative, adaptive, and results-oriented. My focus lies in cultivating Moreover, I maintain an active presence in a private CIO robust relationships, fostering an innovative culture, and WhatsApp group, where we collaboratively share insights, empowering team members to reach their full potential. I provide assistance, and address queries. Leveraging this foresee my leadership style harmonizing seamlessly with the knowledge, I aim to identify opportunities for integrating company culture, where teamwork, accountability, and emerging technologies that align closely with our strategic continuous improvement are esteemed. I am dedicated to business objectives. instigating positive transformations and actively contributing to the company's success through effective IT leadership. Can you describe a challenging situation you encountered in a previous role as a CIO and how you Could you please highlight any awards or recognitions successfully navigated through it to achieve a positive you are honored with? outcome? CIO of the Year 2024, Catalyst CIO, Best Metaverse Project. In a previous role, I faced a challenge when implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The project encountered significant resistance from different 22 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

Middle East's 10 Most Influen?al CIOs to Watch Khalid Driving Digital Transforma?on in Educa?on A Alliis ss sa a he educational environment is being drastically years working in networks and then decided to specialize in altered by digital transformation, which presents network security and cybersecurity. T previously unheard-of chances to improve student outcomes, increase accessibility, and equip them for success Can you please brief us about your company and its in the digital era. Through the integration of digital inception story? Dr. Khalid Alissa technology, educational establishments may fully realize CIO the promise of education, enabling students to prosper in a I work at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University (IAU), IAU constantly changing global environment. a public university aiming to be at the top of national universities and among the top 50 worldwide. Khalid Alissa, the CIO of Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University (IAU), has been at the forefront of As a CIO, how would you approach aligning our integrating technology into education. He is a seasoned technology strategies with our business objectives to professor with a history of working in different sectors. He drive growth and efficiency? is skilled in ITIL, Computer Forensics, Enterprise Architec- ture, Requirements Analysis, and Business Process. For any strategy to be effective and beneficial, it should be In our discussion with him, he highlighted his crucial role at in line with a bigger strategy. IT strategy should be in line IAU in helping the university become one of the topmost with the university strategy (business), which should be in universities in the world. line with the ministry strategy, which is in line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strategy (Vision 2030). Business Below are the highlights from the interview! objectives and goals are part of the business strategy, so being in line with them helps in achieving the business Could you please tell us about yourself and what objectives. motivated you to embark on this sector? In your opinion, what emerging technologies do you I believe one of the most My name is Khalid Alissa, PhD in information security, believe will have the most significant impact on our CIO, cybersecurity consultant, certified change manage- industry, and how would you integrate them into our important aspects that keeps ment professional, Keynote speaker, and trainer. Award- existing infrastructure? you up to date is good winning “Outstanding leadership in education.” First place communica?on and staying in digital transformation in the education sector in Saudi I believe that AI will have the biggest effect in the future; Arabia. Member of several advisory boards. the way we deal with IT and cybersecurity will change close with your employees. dramatically because of AI. Even the way we teach should IT is a sector that I have been in love with since high change with the new AI wave. Back before the internet, an school. It was mesmerizing and amazing to us how things integral part of teaching was to make sure that students can be done in a very easy way. So, when it was time to go memorized the information because it was not easy to to college, I decided to go into IT. After getting my reach. After the introduction of the internet and search bachelor's degree, I fell in love with networks. I spent a few engines, it became very easy to find any information you 24 25 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

needed within seconds. So, the teaching style shifted to how of the new system, a clear statement thanking the person to make use of this information. I know you can reach the who suggested the idea was at the beginning of the information easily, but I need you to make use of it by announcement. We have noticed that this encourages other writing a review and including your opinion, or by doing people to suggest new ideas and innovations because they research. With the new era of AI, this can be done easily by want to see their names. AI without any effort from the student, so there will be no learning curve. Therefore, we need to yet again update and Given the rapid pace of technological change, how do enhance the teaching style. you stay updated on the latest trends and advancements We have encouraged IT in the field of information technology, and how would professionals to deal How do you plan to ensure data security and compli- you leverage this knowledge for the benefit of our ance with regulations in our organization, particularly company? with the rest of the in light of evolving cybersecurity threats? organiza?on's I believe one of the most important aspects that keeps you employees as customers, In KSA, we have “Essential Cybersecurity Controls up-to-date is good communication and staying close with (ECC),” which are enforced by the NCA (National your employees. Keeping up with people who are working and we saw a huge Cybersecurity Authority). Applying these controls helps us on the technical aspects helped a lot in staying up-to-date. change in a?tude once achieve the minimum security requirements. Also, we work Also, I love to stay connected to the field by listening to hard with the support of higher management to have the podcasts and reading new articles. Probably being an the mentality was latest technology in cybersecurity and provide training to academic also helps in staying up-to-date with the research changed by considering your cybersecurity engineers. In the end, there is no such in the field. thing as 100% security, but you always have to try to get as the customers. close as possible. Can you describe a challenging situation you encountered in a previous role as a CIO and how you success- Can you provide examples of successful IT projects fully navigated through it to achieve a positive outcome? you've led in the past and the strategies you employed to ensure they were completed on time and within budget? When COVID-19 hit, we received orders that everyone should work remotely. As CIO, I received a call from the “Succession Plan” is a big project that aims to keep the president asking me if it was true that we could do 76% of university ready and always have people ready to be the the work remotely. My answer was, “Give us 5 days, and next leaders. Starting from evaluation, understanding the you will be able to do more than 90% of the work weaknesses, and providing training on these weaknesses remotely.” I was so thankful that we were ready; we just through a complete dashboard for higher management, to needed to tell people which system to use and how to use it. preparing the next leader. This whole project was automated We started taking “training pills." Each training course is 10 tion, I received so many calls from users within the be hard and require long hours. You have to be involved in through a complete online system that was developed in- to 20 minutes in length on a very specific topic. For university stating that they felt the change and thanking us everything, but if you do it right, you will reach a state house. example, we had a 15-minute session on how to sign by saying this was well deserved, we so the change and our where you just need to make the big decisions. The daily documents using your laptop. One of the audiences asked lives became much easier. This kind of feedback is more work should not be affected by your absence. Collaboration and communication are crucial aspects of how I do it using my mobile, and the answer was, “This important than any trophy. IT leadership. How do you plan to foster collaboration will be another course that will be given 1 hour from now.” Could you please highlight any awards or recognitions between IT and other departments within our company People were so active and excited about these courses, as Cultural fit is essential for success in any leadership you are honored with? to enhance overall productivity and innovation? they do not consume your time and help you with a very role. How would you describe your leadership style, and specific topic that you need. The “training pills” program how do you envision it fitting into the culture of our • 1st place in digital transformation in the education Attitude is everything. In this age, IT has become the nerve was so successful and helpful in digital transformation that company? sector system for any organization. It is related to every single we still see how it changed users' behavior. • Outstanding leadership award entity in the organization. If IT stops, the organization will Leading by example is the most important role for a leader. • Cybersecurity educator of the year be paralyzed. We have encouraged IT professionals to deal What metrics or KPIs do you believe are essential for Once people see you working hard and doing what you are • Cybersecurity leader of the year with the rest of the organization's employees as customers, measuring the effectiveness of our IT initiatives, and supposed to do, they will copy you. I have noticed that and we saw a huge change in attitude once the mentality how would you ensure that our IT investments deliver employees have a lot of leadership qualities. was changed by considering the customers. Also, we have tangible results? encouraged suggestions and innovations from other For a new leader, it is important to understand the work, departments in the organization. We received some good User satisfaction is the most important KPI for us. I reorganize, and supervise. In the beginning, your work will ideas and worked on them. At the time of the announcement remember when we received 1st place in digital transforma- 26 27 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

When Good Inten?ons Go Wrong! Ways Succe CIOs Uninttionay Hind IT Consultant T consultants are brought in to solve problems, optimize systems, and propel an organization forward. However, I even the most skilled consultant can struggle to deliver results if the Chief Information Officer (CIO) unknowingly creates roadblocks. Surprisingly, many of these obstacles stem from actions or oversights on the part of Chief Information Officers (CIOs), the very leaders who engage these consultants. Here are six ways: Unclear Goals and Scope Creep A project without clear objectives is a recipe for disaster. When a CIO fails to define success metrics and a well-defined scope for the consultant's work, it leads to confusion and frustration. Vague goals like "improve efficiency" leave the consultant guessing about priorities. The Fix: Clearly define the project's goals and desired outcomes. These should be measurable and time-bound. For example, "Reduce server downtime by 20% within Q3." Outline the project scope in detail, including specific deliverables and functionalities. 28 29 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

Collaborate with the consultant to ensure alignment and access, historical data sets, and documentation. If the CIO address any potential ambiguities before work begins. hinders access to these resources, it can significantly slow down the project. Lack of Internal Communication and Buy-In The Fix: Work with IT security teams to grant the consultant Successful IT projects require buy-in from all stakeholders, the necessary permissions and access levels within a secure especially those directly impacted by the changes. If the framework. Provide all relevant documentation and historical CIO fails to communicate the project's purpose, benefits, data sets upfront. Maintain clear communication channels for and potential disruptions to internal teams, resistance can the consultant to request additional information as needed. arise. This can manifest as departmental roadblocks, data access limitations, or a general lack of cooperation. Poor Change Management Strategy The Fix: Facilitate open communication across Even the most meticulously planned IT project can disrupt departments. Clearly explain the project's purpose and its existing workflows. A lack of a well-defined change potential impact. Encourage questions and address concerns management strategy can lead to user resistance, productivity proactively. Involve key personnel from affected dips, and a negative perception of the project. departments in the planning process. This fosters a sense of ownership and increases the likelihood of successful The Fix: Develop a comprehensive change management implementation. strategy that addresses user concerns and facilitates a smooth transition. This may include training sessions, user guides, Micromanagement and Lack of Trust and a dedicated support channel for questions and troubleshooting. IT consultants are often hired for their expertise. Micromanaging their work stifles creativity and hinders By avoiding these pitfalls, CIOs can create an environment progress. Constant supervision sends a message of distrust where IT consultants can thrive. Clear communication, and undermines the consultant's confidence. realistic expectations, and a collaborative approach are key to maximizing the return on investment from an IT consultant. The Fix: Establish clear communication channels but allow A successful partnership between the CIO and the consultant the consultant the autonomy to complete tasks within the can lead to innovative solutions, improved efficiency, and a agreed-upon scope. Set regular checkpoints for progress more robust IT infrastructure. updates and feedback, but avoid micromanaging daily activities. - Alaya Brown Unrealistic Expectations and Timelines Underestimating the complexity of a project or setting unrealistic deadlines sets both the consultant and the organization up for failure. Rushing through processes can lead to sloppy implementation and unforeseen glitches down the line. The Fix: Be realistic about the project's complexity and the time required to achieve the desired results. Engage in open discussions with the consultant to establish a feasible timeline based on the scope of work. Inadequate Access to Resources and Data IT consultants need access to relevant data and resources to effectively perform their jobs. This may include system 30 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

Middle East's 10 Most Influen?al CIOs to Watch An Adept and Passionate CIO Revolutionizing the FMCG Sector he great growling engine of change—Technology!’ Information Officer, is a leading FMCG distribution How true is this thought, with the world witnessing company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The T emerging technologies impacting business pro- company has a rich history of delivering high-quality cesses? Key contributors to this expanding universe of products and services to its customers, and its inception technology are Chief Information Officers (CIOs), who story reflects a commitment to innovation and growth. disrupt the industry with their deep understanding of Founded with a vision to revolutionize the FMCG distribu- technology trends and their impacts on business. Moreover, tion sector, our company has continually evolved and the emergence of new technologies driving change has adapted to meet the changing needs of the market. enhanced the importance of these brilliant leaders. As a CIO, how would you approach aligning our Manish Agarwal is a highly accomplished and experienced technology strategies with our business objectives to CIO who has been leveraging emerging technologies to drive growth and efficiency? drive innovation. Being a CIO at M.H. Enterprises L.L.C., an FMCG distributing company, Manish under- As a CIO, aligning technology strategies with business takes the responsibility of strategic technology manage- objectives is paramount to driving growth and efficiency. I ment, digital transformation, high-scale ERP implementa- approach this by closely collaborating with key stake- tions, etc., making the organization’s upliftment certain. holders to understand organizational goals and challenges. By leveraging my expertise in strategic technology In an exclusive interview with The CIO World magazine, management and digital transformation, I ensure that our IT Manish shared his passion for technology, his inspiring initiatives are directly linked to achieving business journey, his achievements, and his brilliant leadership. outcomes. This involves prioritizing projects that offer the Here are the snippets: highest value, optimizing IT investments, and fostering a Manish Agarwal culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Could you please tell us about yourself and what Chief Informa?on Officer motivated you to embark on this sector? In your opinion, what emerging technologies do you M.H. Enterprises L.L.C. believe will have the most significant impact on our As an IT executive with over 20 years of experience industry, and how would you integrate them into our spanning various industries, my motivation stems from a existing infrastructure? deep passion for technology and its transformative potential in driving business excellence. I’m driven by the challenge In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, emerging technolo- of leveraging technological advancements to address gies such as cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), complex business problems and propel organizations the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data Analytics are forward in today’s dynamic digital landscape. poised to have a significant impact on our industry. Integrating these technologies into our existing infrastruc- Can you please brief us about your company and its ture requires a strategic approach that focuses on scalability, inception story? security, and compatibility. By staying abreast of industry trends and leveraging my experience in implementing M.H. Enterprises L.L.C., where I currently serve as Chief innovative solutions, I will ensure that our organization remains at the forefront of technological innovation. 32 33 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

How do you plan to ensure data security and compli- curve, I ensure that our company remains agile and ance with regulations in our organization, particularly responsive to technological change. in light of evolving cybersecurity threats? Can you describe a challenging situation you encoun- Ensuring data security and compliance with regulations is a tered in a previous role as a CIO and how you success- top priority in light of evolving cybersecurity threats. I plan fully navigated through it to achieve a positive outcome? to implement robust cybersecurity measures, including encryption, access controls, and regular security audits, to In a previous role as a CIO, I encountered a challenging safeguard our organization’s assets and sensitive informa- situation when our organization faced a significant tion. Additionally, I will stay updated on regulatory cybersecurity breach. To address this, I led a cross- requirements and industry best practices to ensure ongoing functional team in implementing immediate remediation compliance and mitigate potential risks. measures to contain the breach and mitigate further damage. Through effective communication, collaboration, Can you provide examples of successful IT projects and decisive action, we were able to restore confidence in you’ve led in the past and the strategies you employed to our security measures and prevent future incidents. ensure they were completed on time and within budget? What metrics or KPIs do you believe are essential for Throughout my career, I have led numerous successful IT measuring the effectiveness of our IT initiatives, and how would you ensure that our IT investments deliver projects, including full-cycle ERP system upgrades, digital tangible results? transformation initiatives, and infrastructure optimization projects. Key strategies employed to ensure timely comple- tion and budget adherence include comprehensive project Key metrics and KPIs for measuring the effectiveness of IT planning, effective resource allocation, proactive risk initiatives include project delivery timelines, budget management, and regular communication with stake- adherence, user satisfaction, and business impact. By holders. By fostering a culture of accountability and establishing clear performance metrics and regularly continuous improvement, I ensure that projects are monitoring progress, I ensure that our IT investments delivered with excellence. deliver tangible results aligned with organizational objectives. Collaboration and communication are crucial aspects of IT leadership. How do you plan to foster collaboration Cultural fit is essential for success in any leadership between IT and other departments within our company role. How would you describe your leadership style, and to enhance overall productivity and innovation? how do you envision it fitting into the culture of our company? Collaboration and communication are fundamental to IT leadership. I plan to foster collaboration between IT and My leadership style is characterized by transparency, other departments by promoting open communication empowerment, and a focus on results. I believe in fostering channels, encouraging cross-functional teamwork, and a culture of trust and accountability where team members aligning IT initiatives with business objectives. By actively are empowered to take ownership of their work and engaging stakeholders and soliciting feedback, I aim to contribute to collective success. I envision my leadership enhance overall productivity and drive innovation across style fitting seamlessly into the culture of our company, the organization. where innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement are valued and encouraged. Given the rapid pace of technological change, how do you stay updated on the latest trends and advancements Could you please highlight any awards or recognitions in the field of information technology, and how would you are honored with? you leverage this knowledge for the benefit of our company? I have been honored to receive prestigious awards such as CIO of the Year, DT 100 CIO Award, CIO Leadership To stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in Award, and X CIO Award. This recognition reflects my information technology, I regularly participate in industry dedication and contributions to organizational success, conferences, webinars, and networking events. Addition- receiving positive feedback from colleagues and stake- ally, I leverage professional development opportunities, holders for my leadership, strategic vision, and commitment such as certifications and training programs, to deepen my to excellence. I am committed to delivering outstanding expertise in emerging technologies. By staying ahead of the results and exceeding expectations in all my endeavors. 34 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

for Made Easy amburg, The exchange of goods and services Internationalizing Marketing across borders—in other words, foreign trade—is H becoming increasingly important. All crises of Suitable marketing measures to support the recent years, from the COVID pandemic to the war in internationalization of business activities are search engine Ukraine, scarcity of some resources, or inflation, have optimization (SEO), search engine advertising (SEA), and shown that geographic sales diversification can be a social media. But above all, international online decisive resilience factor for companies. Especially now marketplaces are key players. Depending on the source, up that China's economy is weakening, companies need to 1 professional purchaser out of 2 is using B2B replacement markets. Thanks to the opportunities brought marketplaces for his or her procurement needs. In Europe, about by increasing digitalization, new markets can be platforms such as Europages and wlw are available. They conquered more easily. Small and medium-sized companies bring suppliers and buyers together. For example: can advertise and sell their products or services globally via online shops as well as platforms—and in a sustainable • The inquiries on Europages come from a total of 193 way. countries, and on wlw, from 137 countries. • On wlw, the most inquiries in 2022 came from Visable is a German-based company operating 2 platforms Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United States, and wlw(Wer Liefert Was) for German-speaking countries and China. Europages for SMEs in other European countries. • On Europages, the most requests came from France, Internationalization is perceived as a huge opportunity for Spain, the United States, Italy, and Germany. German SMEs, especially in the B2B sector. B2C trade has • The 10 countries with the most requests on wlw are long been global, but B2B companies are still lagging distributed across 3 continents: Europe, North America, behind. Fueled by the developments of recent years, SME and Asia. B2B business is now catching up in the area of • The 10 countries with the most inquiries on Europages internationalization and is expected to develop rapidly. The are distributed over the 4 continents: Europe, North online B2B e-commerce market is estimated at 25 billion America, Asia, and Africa. dollars by 2028, seven times more than the B2C e- commerce market. SMEs can tap this huge worldwide Partner of European SMEs: wlw and Europages Help opportunity from their national location. With Internationalization France, number 8 in total exports worldwide, or even With helpful functions on its B2B platforms, wlw and Germany, number 3 in total exports worldwide, according Europages, Visable supports European SMEs in their to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), has by steps onto the global market. A company search and no means exhausted the gigantic potential of digital sales. a precise product search with many sorting and European SMEs would benefit from the reputation of the filtering options are available for this purpose. "Made in Europe," "Made in Germany," and "Made in Among other things, filtering according to certain France" quality seals and the high demand for their quality criteria is possible, such as ISO products abroad. The opportunities for international certifications, which are becoming increasingly expansion for European SMEs are greater than the risks. relevant in order to prove compliance with 36 37 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

prescribed standards with regard to supply chain protection You can find further articles, information, press releases, laws. Via the Request for Quote/Connect service, buyers and downloads at https://www.visable.com/de_de/ueber- can also commission very specific inquiries, which are uns/presse processed by the Visable research team and AI-supported. • Growth, resilience, and future viability: There is still a Already, a large proportion of the messages on Europages lot of potential in internationalization for German are sent across national and language borders. Linguistic SMEs. hurdles do not stand in the way of initiating business. This • Planning, consulting, and strategy: Important is because the platform specifically aims to make it easier approaches for successful internationalization in the for B2B buyers to search for the products or services they B2B sector need in their own language. When they find a relevant • Peter F. Schmid, CEO of B2B platform operator supplier, Europages helps them contact him in their own Visable, says, "We actively accompany German language. Several companies from different countries with companies as they step onto the international stage." different languages can also be contacted in one inquiry. • This Trade and Development Report Update warns that developing countries are facing years of difficulty as Internationalization Made Easy - With the Right the global economy slows down amid heightened Strategy and the Right Partners financial turbulence. With a well-thought-out strategy, internationalization Key points: projects are a huge opportunity for growth for European SMEs - especially in the B2B sector. They ensure future • Global growth is expected to be lower than earlier viability, as there is strong cut-throat competition in the projected, signaling a potential economic downturn. • Developing countries face mounting debt and local market. Thanks to the possibilities of digitalization, it is easier than ever to compare and sell products and services insufficient international support, risking another lost worldwide. decade. Visable supports industrial SMEs in making products and • The banking crisis highlights long-neglected financial services internationally accessible to buyers. As a fragilities and regulatory weaknesses. combination of its own B2B platforms and online • Declining energy costs lead to lower inflation, but marketing services, such as Google Ads and Retargeting, elevated food prices maintain a high cost of living in tailored specifically to business customers, the company many developing countries. offers a broad digital portfolio for increasing reach on the • Growing global asymmetries threaten developing Internet. countries' resilience, requiring stronger multilateral action and an urgent focus on sovereign debt The platforms operated by Visable GmbH include wlw architecture. ("Wer liefert was"), today the leading B2B platform in the D-A-CH region, and the European B2B platform https://unctad.org/publication/trade-and-development- Europages, on which around three million companies are report-update-april-2023 registered. Together, the platforms reach three million B2B buyers a month who are looking for detailed company and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are known for product information. With its online marketing services, their scarcity of available resources, facing challenges Visable offers companies additional opportunities to beyond predictions, and looking for opportunities to survive increase their reach on the Internet. and thrive in unpredictable international business environments. However, some SMEs are better equipped to Visable was created in response to the challenges of develop opportunities and bring value to the firm than internationalization and digitalization in the B2B sector and others. today employs around 450 people at its locations in Hamburg, Berlin, Münster, and Paris. As a joint umbrella for the wlw and Europages brands, Visable is continuously expanding its B2B platforms and online marketing services. 38 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

Middle East's 10 Most Influen?al CIOs to Watch Transforming Industries Through Innova?on and Insight ario Foster is a seasoned Chief Information Officer (CIO) with an impressive track record in M the IT sector. With a career spanning nearly 3 Throughout my career, I have been at decades, his journey began in the heart of Canada, where he the forefront of leading organizations laid the foundation of his expertise in Information Technology (IT). through signicant digital and business transformations, leveraging my From his early days in IT hardware support, Mario’s career extensive experience to craft and trajectory took him across borders, from the tech hubs of the US to the Middle East. It’s here, across the economies execute comprehensive strategic plans. of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, that Mario truly thrived. Over the years, he honed his skills across various domains, from infrastructure management to cybersecurity, and eventually shifted to enterprise applications, pioneering the Al Ghurair Group is a pivotal force in the UAE’s economic integration of cutting-edge technologies like Business landscape. It was established in the 1960s by Saif Ahmed Intelligence (BI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Al Ghurair. Born from the entrepreneurial spirit of a family rooted in pearl diving, it has evolved into a major For the past 15 years, Mario has held the prestigious conglomerate spanning diverse sectors, including banking, position of Group CIO for four prominent family business real estate, manufacturing, and retail. conglomerates in the Middle East. In this role, he’s navigated through a myriad of industries, including Notably, it founded Mashreq Bank in 1967, marking a Software, Banking, Real Estate, and Manufacturing, among significant foray into finance. With a proud heritage Mario Foster others. Mario’s strategic foresight and technological stretching over six decades, Dubai-based Al Ghurair Group prowess have been instrumental in spearheading numerous Group CIO is a diversified family-owned conglomerate with interests in digital transformations, driving innovation, and fostering Al Ghurair Group manufacturing, real estate and financial investments and an sustainable growth across diverse business verticals. expanding global presence. Throughout his illustrious career, Mario has mirrored Tracing its business roots back to the 1960s, Al Ghurair has excellence, earning over 25 awards for his outstanding played an important role in the transformation of the Dubai contributions to the fields of IT and cybersecurity. His economy, with pioneering ventures in manufacturing, real accolades speak volumes about his dedication to driving estate and other sectors. impactful change and his commitment to advancing the digital agenda in the Middle East. Presently, Mario brings One of the most respected and successful businesses groups his wealth of experience and visionary leadership to Al in the United Arab Emirates, the Group today owns a Ghurair Group in the role of Group CIO, where he diverse range of businesses including the manufacture of continues to redefine the role of technology in driving flexible plastic film, extruded aluminium and galvanized business success. steel, along with other packaging products. Let’s join in the interview conversation on how Mario is Al Ghurair, which also operates shopping malls and cementing his legacy as a transformative leader in the manages a large real estate portfolio in Dubai, continues to digital age! pursue growth opportunities while adhering to its values of excellence, innovation and integrity. Can you please brief us about your company and its inception story? 40 41 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

Regular meetings ensure alignment and adaptation to other departments is crucial for unlocking productivity and • Vendor and Technology Workshops: Attend workshops evolving needs. innovation. Here’s how I plan to enhance these aspects: and seminars hosted by tech vendors to gain first-hand • Leverage Data and Analytics: Implement robust data knowledge of new products and services. management and analytics to gain insights into • Establish Cross-Functional Teams: Create teams with • Experimentation and Pilot Projects: Foster an customer behavior and market trends. Use these members from IT and other departments for projects, environment of experimentation within the IT insights to inform strategic decisions. promoting diverse perspectives and aligning department to test and evaluate new technologies • Embrace Agile Development: Adopt agile technology solutions with business needs. before full-scale implementation. methodologies to align projects closely with business • Regular Stakeholder Meetings: Conduct frequent • Feedback Loops from Business Units: Establish needs. Iterate rapidly based on feedback to ensure meetings with department heads to discuss projects, feedback mechanisms with other business units to continuous alignment. address challenges, and explore technology understand their needs and challenges, which can guide • Measure and Communicate Value: Establish metrics to opportunities, ensuring alignment with business the exploration of relevant technological solutions. gauge the impact of technology initiatives on business objectives. objectives. Regularly report metrics to stakeholders to • Co-Development Initiatives: Encourage collaborative By adopting these strategies, I plan to ensure that our IT maintain alignment and support for IT strategies. projects where IT and other departments develop tools strategy not only stays aligned with the latest technological together, fostering ownership and teamwork. advancements but also directly contributes to our This approach ensures technology strategies are integrated • Training and Knowledge Sharing: Organize training company’s strategic goals and operational efficiency. This with business objectives, driving growth and efficiency sessions on technology trends for all employees, comprehensive approach allows for a proactive stance in through collaboration, data-driven decisions, and agile promoting digital literacy and innovative thinking. leveraging technology for innovation, competitive practices. • Feedback Mechanisms: Implement structured feedback advantage, and business growth. channels for departments to suggest IT improvements, What are the latest emerging technologies, and how enhance understanding, and make service adjustments. How would you describe your leadership style, and how would you integrate them into the existing • Visibility of IT Projects: Increase project visibility do you envision it fitting into the culture of the infrastructure? through updates and showcases, highlighting company? successful collaborations and project benefits. Emerging technologies like AI and ML, Blockchain, • Champion Collaborative Culture: Lead by example, I would describe my leadership style as collaborative, Internet of Things (IoT), and Edge Computing are poised to foster open dialogue, and recognize collaborative results-oriented, and adaptive. I believe in fostering a In the past decade the Group has expanded its activities significantly impact our industry by enhancing decision- efforts across the organization. culture of openness and innovation where team members overseas, building a network of operations in the Middle making, security, connectivity, and data processing feel valued and empowered to contribute their ideas and East and North Africa, Europe, North America and capabilities. By implementing these strategies, IT will become a expertise. This approach encourages a sense of ownership Australia. strategic partner, integrated with broader company goals, and accountability, driving teams towards achieving • AI and ML can automate and optimize operations, offer driving success through collaboration and communication. collective goals while also supporting individual growth Al Ghurair remains deeply committed to the protection and personalized customer experiences, and improve data and development. enhancement of the communities in which it operates and analytics for better decision-making. How do you stay updated on the latest trends and accordingly has initiated or supports programs relating to • Blockchain enhances transparency and security, advancements in the field of information technology, In terms of fitting into the culture of your company, I environmental sustainability, health awareness and local particularly in transactions and data management, and how are you leveraging this knowledge for the envision my leadership style complementing an employment, among others. making processes more efficient and trustworthy. benefit of the company? environment that values teamwork, innovation, and • IoT connects devices to collect and exchange data, continuous improvement. By prioritizing collaboration, I As a CIO, how would you approach aligning your enabling smarter operations and improving customer To stay current with the rapidly evolving IT landscape and aim to bridge gaps between IT and other departments, technology strategies with your business objectives to experiences through enhanced data insights. leverage this knowledge effectively: ensuring that technology initiatives are closely aligned with drive growth and efficiency? • Edge Computing processes data closer to its source, business objectives. My focus on results will drive efforts to reducing latency and bandwidth use, which is crucial • Continuous Learning: Commit to ongoing education deliver projects on time and within budget, maximizing the Aligning technology strategies with business objectives is for real-time applications. through structured courses, certifications, and attending value of IT investments. paramount for driving growth and efficiency as a CIO. workshops focused on emerging IT trends and Here’s my approach: Integrating these technologies requires a strategic approach technologies. Adaptability is key in the fast-paced world of technology, that focuses on scalability, security, and interoperability. • Professional Networking: Actively participate in and I am committed to staying ahead of industry trends and • Understand Business Goals: Engage stakeholders to Starting with pilot projects, upskilling teams, adopting a industry forums, professional groups, and conferences leveraging new opportunities to drive success. I actively grasp current objectives and long-term visions. Identify modular infrastructure, and prioritizing security will ensure to exchange insights with peers and experts in the field. seek feedback and engage with all levels of the organization how technology can support goals such as enhancing successful integration and leverage these technologies to • Industry Publications: Regularly read reputable IT and to ensure that IT strategies remain responsive to the the customer experience or improving operational drive growth and innovation. tech-related publications, journals, and online articles evolving needs of the business and its customers. efficiency. to keep abreast of the latest developments and • Develop a Technology Roadmap: Prioritize projects How do you plan to foster collaboration between IT and innovations. aligned with business objectives. Create a flexible other departments within your company to enhance • Tech Communities and Forums: Engage with online roadmap, considering emerging technologies and overall productivity and innovation? tech communities and forums where professionals detailing timelines, outcomes, and resources. discuss new technologies, challenges, and solutions in • Foster Collaboration: Establish cross-functional teams Fostering collaboration and communication between IT and real-time. to drive projects with input from IT and business units. 42 43 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

The CMO's Impera?ve! " he greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist." - Verbal Kint, The Usual T Suspects. This quote may have been referring to a fictional criminal mastermind, but it is just as applicable to IT Consultant the world of IT consulting. The greatest trick an IT consultant can pull is convincing a Chief Information Officer (CIO) that they are indispensable, when in reality, they may be anything but. Tricks CIOs In addition to overseeing your company's technological infrastructure, your role as CIO includes making crucial decisions that could make all the difference in the success or should Never Fall f or failure of your business. You must be able to distinguish the wheat from the chaff when it comes to IT consulting and stay away from the traps and tricks that certain consultants may set for you. Let us explore some of the most common IT consultant tricks: The One-Size-Fits-All Solution One of the most common tricks that IT consultants use is to offer a one-size-fits-all solution to your technology challenges. This approach may seem convenient and cost- effective, but it can lead to significant problems down the line. Every organization is unique, and your technology infrastructure should be tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. When evaluating IT consultants, look for those who take the time to understand your business, your technology landscape, and your goals. A consultant who offers a cookie-cutter solution without considering your unique needs is not a consultant you want to work with. The Bait-and-Switch Another common trick that IT consultants use is the bait-and- switch. This is where they offer you a low price upfront, but then hit you with hidden fees and charges as the project progresses. This can lead to significant cost overruns and a strained relationship with the consultant. To avoid this trap, make sure that you get a detailed breakdown of all costs associated with the project upfront. Ask for a fixed-price quote that includes all services and deliverables, and make sure that you have a clear understanding of any potential additional costs that may arise. 44 45 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

The Over-Promising and Under-Delivering their processes, their methodologies, or their pricing structures from you. IT consultants are notorious for over-promising and under- delivering. This can take many forms, from promising To avoid this trap, make sure that you establish a culture of unrealistic timelines to overstating their capabilities or transparency upfront. Ask for detailed documentation of the expertise. When a consultant over-promises, they set consultant's processes and methodologies, and make sure themselves up for failure, and they may leave you with a that you have a clear understanding of how they will technology infrastructure that is incomplete or inadequate. approach the project. To avoid this trap, make sure that you set clear expectations The Lack of Post-Project Support upfront. Ask for references and case studies that demonstrate the consultant's capabilities and experience. Be Finally, some IT consultants may offer excellent service skeptical of any promises that seem too good to be true, and during the project, but then disappear once the project is make sure that you have a clear understanding of what the complete. This can leave you with a technology consultant can and cannot deliver. infrastructure that is incomplete or inadequate, and with no support to help you maintain or improve it. The Lack of Communication To avoid this trap, make sure that you establish clear Communication is critical in any IT project, and a lack of expectations for post-project support upfront. Ask for a communication can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and detailed plan for ongoing support, and make sure that you cost overruns. Some IT consultants may try to avoid have a clear understanding of how the consultant will help communication or downplay the importance of regular you maintain and improve your technology infrastructure updates and progress reports. over time. To avoid this trap, make sure that you establish clear In conclusion, as a CIO, you are responsible for making communication channels upfront. Set expectations for critical decisions that can impact the success or failure of regular updates and progress reports, and make sure that your organization. When it comes to IT consulting, you you have a clear understanding of how the consultant will need to be able to separate the wheat from the chaff, and communicate with you and your team. avoid falling for the tricks and traps that some consultants may lay for you. By being aware of these common IT The Over-Reliance on Technology consultant tricks, you can make informed decisions and CIO choose consultants who will help you achieve your business While technology is an essential part of any IT goals. infrastructure, it is not a panacea. Some IT consultants may try to sell you on the latest and greatest technology Remember, the greatest trick an IT consultant can pull is solutions, without considering whether they are the right fit convincing you that they are indispensable, when in reality, for your organization. they may be anything but. By focusing on your business needs and goals, and by establishing clear expectations and To avoid this trap, make sure that you focus on your communication channels, you can ensure that you choose business needs and goals, rather than on the technology consultants who will help you build a technology itself. Look for consultants who take a holistic approach to infrastructure that is tailored to your unique needs and technology, and who consider factors such as cost, goals. scalability, and compatibility with your existing infrastructure. So, the next time an IT consultant offers you a one-size-fits- all solution, or promises you the moon, be sure to take a The Lack of Transparency step back and ask yourself whether they are really the right fit for your organization. By being a savvy CIO, you can Transparency is critical in any IT project, and a lack of avoid the tricks and traps of IT consulting and build a transparency can lead to mistrust and a strained relationship technology infrastructure that will help your organization with the consultant. Some IT consultants may try to hide thrive. - Alaya Brown 46 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

The Over-Promising and Under-Delivering their processes, their methodologies, or their pricing structures from you. IT consultants are notorious for over-promising and under- delivering. This can take many forms, from promising To avoid this trap, make sure that you establish a culture of unrealistic timelines to overstating their capabilities or transparency upfront. Ask for detailed documentation of the expertise. When a consultant over-promises, they set consultant's processes and methodologies, and make sure themselves up for failure, and they may leave you with a that you have a clear understanding of how they will technology infrastructure that is incomplete or inadequate. approach the project. To avoid this trap, make sure that you set clear expectations The Lack of Post-Project Support upfront. Ask for references and case studies that demonstrate the consultant's capabilities and experience. Be Finally, some IT consultants may offer excellent service skeptical of any promises that seem too good to be true, and during the project, but then disappear once the project is make sure that you have a clear understanding of what the complete. This can leave you with a technology consultant can and cannot deliver. infrastructure that is incomplete or inadequate, and with no support to help you maintain or improve it. The Lack of Communication To avoid this trap, make sure that you establish clear Communication is critical in any IT project, and a lack of expectations for post-project support upfront. Ask for a communication can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and detailed plan for ongoing support, and make sure that you cost overruns. Some IT consultants may try to avoid have a clear understanding of how the consultant will help communication or downplay the importance of regular you maintain and improve your technology infrastructure updates and progress reports. over time. To avoid this trap, make sure that you establish clear In conclusion, as a CIO, you are responsible for making communication channels upfront. Set expectations for critical decisions that can impact the success or failure of regular updates and progress reports, and make sure that your organization. When it comes to IT consulting, you you have a clear understanding of how the consultant will need to be able to separate the wheat from the chaff, and communicate with you and your team. avoid falling for the tricks and traps that some consultants may lay for you. By being aware of these common IT Subscription The Over-Reliance on Technology consultant tricks, you can make informed decisions and CIO choose consultants who will help you achieve your business While technology is an essential part of any IT goals. infrastructure, it is not a panacea. Some IT consultants may try to sell you on the latest and greatest technology Remember, the greatest trick an IT consultant can pull is solutions, without considering whether they are the right fit convincing you that they are indispensable, when in reality, for your organization. they may be anything but. By focusing on your business needs and goals, and by establishing clear expectations and To avoid this trap, make sure that you focus on your communication channels, you can ensure that you choose business needs and goals, rather than on the technology consultants who will help you build a technology itself. Look for consultants who take a holistic approach to infrastructure that is tailored to your unique needs and technology, and who consider factors such as cost, goals. scalability, and compatibility with your existing infrastructure. So, the next time an IT consultant offers you a one-size-fits- all solution, or promises you the moon, be sure to take a The Lack of Transparency step back and ask yourself whether they are really the right fit for your organization. By being a savvy CIO, you can Transparency is critical in any IT project, and a lack of avoid the tricks and traps of IT consulting and build a transparency can lead to mistrust and a strained relationship technology infrastructure that will help your organization with the consultant. Some IT consultants may try to hide thrive. - Alaya Brown 46 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

Middle East's 10 Most Influen?al CIOs to Watch M Mu us st ta af fa a Laying Founda?on for Long-term Organiza?onal Success Gul n increasingly crowded markets where competition is At the heart of Mustafa's mission lies the steadfast belief in on the horizon, developing innovative products and the power of innovation to shape the world for the better. I technologies is essential for attaining competitive He envisions a future where groundbreaking ideas pave the distinction. Organizations are constantly trying to identify way for transformative change, revolutionizing industries areas for differentiation by developing innovative solutions and reshaping paradigms. and bringing new products to market that give them an Mustafa Gul essential competitive edge in the market. In his role as Chief Innovation Officer, he personifies the Chief Innova?on Officer spirit of exploration and learning, encouraging people to see Ascend Solu?ons Meet Mustafa Gul, the Chief Innovation Officer at curiosity as a motivating factor for advancement. Aspiring Ascend Solutions, whose journey epitomizes the innovators might find optimism in his journey, which serves transformative power of curiosity and creativity. as a reminder that the quest for invention starts with the question "What if?" Fervently passionate about innovation, he set out on his professional journey with a firm commitment to solve During our conversation with him, we had the opportunity complex problems. In his capacity as a CIO and Product to learn a few strategies to thrive in the constantly changing business landscape. Incubation Leader, he conducts a symphony of ideas, fusing vision and inventiveness to foster new ideas and products. Below are the highlights from our interview! His story serves as a monument to the powerful effects of persistent curiosity. A story of tenacity and an unrelenting Can you please brief us about your company and its inception story? quest to push the envelope of possibilities runs through it. He ignites the spark of creativity in every nook and cranny of the company by leading by example in a climate that Ascend is an integrated solutions provider, an innovative supports innovation. and agile company with an ambitious vision reinforced by leading global and local partners. We work with our clients to solve their day-to-day challenges by delivering best-in- class solutions. We deliver complex solutions and commercial structures in the Saudi healthcare and non- As a leader, I believe in healthcare market, powered by a culture of entrepreneurship fostering a collabora?ve and and creativity. inclusive environment where Ÿ Resource Control Centers (RCC): The MOH National every individual feels valued, Healthcare Command Center (NHCC) was established in 2019 in Riyadh as a central hub for collating and empowered, and mo?vated to visualizing data and insights. contribute their best. Ÿ The COVID-19 Vaccination PMO Program: It was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to administer vaccines while avoiding waste and maintaining a high level of patient experience. 48 49 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com

Middle East's 10 Most Influential CIOs to Watch

Middle East's 10 Most Influential CIOs to Watch

Presentation Transcript

Middle East

Middle East

MIDDLE EAST

MIDDLE EAST

Middle East

Middle East

Middle East

Middle East

Middle East

Middle East

MIDDLE EAST

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