CIO Edge, held in Sydney, gathered Australia’s leading technology leaders to address the formidable challenges of digital transformation.  

The event centred on achieving operational excellence in the digital era.  

In his opening keynote, Jim Berry, CEO & Founder at ADAPT noted that technology differentiates how and when companies can achieve their organisational objectives.

With over 180 CIOs and heads of IT representing 39% of Australia’s GDP and 12% of its workforce, the stakes were high. 

Jim highlighted the complex and multifaceted journey toward operational excellence, involving modernisation, data strategy, AI integration, and cyber security.

He emphasised that organisations are at various stages in this journey, dealing with complexities while striving to simplify processes, enhance visibility, and manage costs.

The event put the spotlight on the critical role of strategic leadership in effectively navigating these challenges.

How 180+ CIOs are shaping operational excellence

Modernising and simplifying legacy systems for efficiency and business growth 

Tackling legacy systems was a key challenge highlighted throughout the event.

Jim emphasised that simplifying technology is crucial to enable cost efficiency, security resilience, and pave the way for modernising with new capabilities, driving operational excellence.

Gabby Fredkin, ADAPT’s Head of Analytics & Insights, revealed the latest insights drawn from our 350 detailed surveys of the region’s top CIOs in 2024.

Gabby revealed that organisations classified as ‘highly modernised’ enjoy a 60% higher rate of API connectivity and have successfully consolidated applications by 45% compared to their less modernised peers.  

He advised that CIOs focus on modernising infrastructure and improving API connectivity to drive operational efficiency and align IT initiatives with business goals. 

Karen O’Driscoll, CIO at Cochlear, shared her organisation’s successful transformation journey, highlighting the role of strategic partnerships and technology integration.  

Karen described how Cochlear’s strategic transformation led to profound growth and profitability.

She emphasised that transformation goes beyond merely adopting new technologies; it involves reimagining how value is delivered to customers through innovation and collaboration.

 

Prioritising robust data governance and real-time data utilisation for enhanced decision-making and compliance

A robust data strategy is essential for unlocking the full potential of digital transformation and AI initiatives.  

Despite the growing recognition of data’s strategic importance, many organisations still struggle with data silos, quality issues, and governance challenges. 

During his keynote presentation, Dr. Peter Weill focused on the importance of real-time business, emphasising that trusted, timely data serves as the lifeblood of modern enterprises.

His research showed that companies excelling in real-time data utilisation outperform their peers by 25% in customer satisfaction and 30% in operational efficiency.  

He advised CIOs to prioritise real-time data integration and ensure data quality to drive business agility and customer-centric operations. 

For his part, Gabby pointed out the importance of a comprehensive data governance framework, revealing that only 35% of Australian enterprises have such a framework in place.  

The need for improvement was clear, with an emphasis on the challenges of ensuring data privacy and compliance amid increasing regulatory scrutiny. 

 

Embedding a security-first mindset and integrating comprehensive risk management practices

As organisations expand their digital footprints, the threats and vulnerabilities they face increase.  

With 40% increase in cyber attacks over the past year, cyber security and risk management were central themes, with experts stressing the rising sophistication of cyber threats and the necessity for resilient security strategies. 

Angela Logothetis, Executive Group Owner of Network and Business Application Services at Telstra, highlighted that security is far more than a technical issue; it is a business imperative that demands continuous vigilance and a holistic approach, integrating people, processes, and technology.

Angela showcased Telstra’s efforts in leveraging innovative technologies to enhance customer and employee experiences, leading to improved operational efficiency and sustainability. 

 

Strategically implementing AI with clear goals and quality data

Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies were spotlighted as transformative forces poised to reshape business models and competitive landscapes.  

However, speakers cautioned that realising AI’s full potential requires thoughtful implementation and a clear understanding of its capabilities and limitations. 

Michael Kollo, CEO at Evolved, AI delivered a critical analysis of common pitfalls in AI adoption, highlighting that many organisations grapple with unrealistic expectations and misaligned objectives.  

Michael warned that AI holds immense potential, but without a strategic approach and proper groundwork, efforts can quickly become misguided and yield little value.

He advocated for a disciplined, data-centric approach to AI initiatives, emphasising the importance of quality data, cross-functional collaboration, and clear alignment with business goals. 

 

 

Raj Sundarason, Senior Vice President (APAC) & Chief Evangelist and Adam Dinneen, Director, Sales Engineering APAC at WalkMe explored the critical role of digital adoption in enabling AI-driven transformation.  

Raj and Adam stressed the need for seamless integration of new technologies into existing processes, advising CIOs to prioritise digital adoption strategies that enhance employee engagement and ensure smooth transitions during AI implementation. 

 

Developing leadership and strategic capabilities

David Gee, a veteran CIO and CISO, recently the former Global Head Technology, Cyber & Data Risk at Macquarie Group, shared valuable insights on becoming a world-class CIO.  

He emphasised the importance of self-transformation as a foundation for leading organisational change.  

David advised CIOs to step outside their comfort zones, address personal weaknesses, and continuously strive for growth in leadership capabilities. 

He discussed the critical first 90 days in a new CIO role, suggesting that leaders should develop a clear plan focused on people, processes, and technology while being transparent about their objectives and open to feedback.  

David also stressed the importance of understanding the type of CIO one is—whether operational, strategic, or business-oriented—and how to stretch beyond natural inclinations to meet business demands. 

 

Aligning IT strategies with measurable business outcomes

In a CIO panel, John Hunt, CIO & Director of Group Enablement at Woolworths and Memo Hayek, CIO & CTO, Executive Leader. Previously Nine Entertainment & CBA, provided practical insights into securing executive support for IT initiatives and achieving operational excellence.  

The panel discussed the challenges of securing executive support, with a focus on the need for CIOs to clearly communicate the value of IT initiatives.  

Their advice included fostering strong relationships with executive leadership and ensuring that IT strategies are directly tied to measurable business outcomes. 

Meanwhile, Sakshee Kohli, Head of Engineering & Site Infrastructure at Coles and Andrew Hinde, Regional Sales Manager at Delphix by Perforce, discussed how their innovative approach to test data engineering has accelerated feature releases and enhanced speed to value.

Sakshee and Andrew highlighted how Coles reduced feature release times from a month to two weeks by revolutionising their test data engineering practices.  

They recommended implementing robust test data management practices and investing in automation tools to accelerate product development cycles. 

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Executive Actions

  1. Adopt a holistic approach to digital transformation: Ensure that technology upgrades are accompanied by cultural and process changes, aligning all initiatives with clear business objectives to drive meaningful outcomes.
  2. Develop and enforce robust data governance frameworks: Prioritise the establishment of comprehensive data strategies that facilitate real-time insights while ensuring compliance, security, and data integrity across the organisation.
  3. Embed security into every aspect of operations: Cultivate a security-first mindset by integrating advanced cyber security measures, continuous monitoring, and employee education into all facets of digital transformation efforts.
  4. Strategically implement AI and emerging technologies: Approach AI adoption with clear goals, quality data, and cross-functional collaboration, leveraging external partnerships and upskilling programs to overcome technical and resource challenges.
  5. Foster strategic partnerships for innovation: Collaborate closely with technology partners and stakeholders to co-create solutions that enhance customer value and operational efficiency, leveraging external expertise and resources effectively. 

Conclusion 

CIO Edge 2024 highlighted the essential role of strategic leadership in steering through the complexities of digital transformation.

Jim opened the event by acknowledging that while we are amidst an unprecedented tech-driven revolution, there are critical challenges in funding and executing the necessary initiatives.

The event’s insights and discussions offered a detailed roadmap for Australian technology leaders, guiding them on how to leverage modern technologies while effectively managing the associated risks.

CIOs must take an active stance in securing the resources and support needed to propel their organisations forward.

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Contributors
Jim Berry CEO & Founder at ADAPT
Jim founded ADAPT with a vision to help Australia thrive commercially, now and for the future. To enable that, Jim leads ADAPT’s mission... More

Jim founded ADAPT with a vision to help Australia thrive commercially, now and for the future. To enable that, Jim leads ADAPT’s mission to connect, inform and equip our local business and tech leaders. 

Leading the development of ADAPT’s agendas and content strategy whilst also advising executive leadership teams from global technology providers, Jim is uniquely experienced to be the voice of the end user, customer and vendor.

Bringing his deep knowledge of the local market, Jim regularly presents on modernisation and “know your customer.” He guides business leaders who are responsible for developing and deploying technology strategies across their organisations and helps some of the world’s largest vendors with their go-to-market and content plans.

Through entrepreneurial product development and a servant leader mentality with his team and clients, ADAPT grows annually with clearly differentiated value for all stakeholders.

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Gabby Fredkin Head of Analytics & Insights at ADAPT
Gabby’s primary role is managing analysis to produce ADAPT’s actionable insights. He has extensive experience in using data to identify technology trends... More

Gabby’s primary role is managing analysis to produce ADAPT’s actionable insights. He has extensive experience in using data to identify technology trends to support Australian organisations.

Using modern data science techniques, he provides ADAPT and its customers with confidence in the accuracy and validity of the information used for ADAPT’s research, advisory and events.

With a passion for creating stories with data, Gabby is consistently rated as one of the top speakers at ADAPT’s events. In roundtable discussions, he specialises in using statistics to initiate thought-provoking discussions. 

Gabby is effective in translating information into insights, enabling ADAPT’s customers to become more data-driven.

Gabby’s primary areas of expertise are:

  • Advanced AI and ML practices, including AI ethics.
  • Building models to benchmark and predict IT performance.
  • End-user behaviour and human-centred design.
  • Cross-functional team design and value, such as DevSecOps.
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Dr. Michael G. Kollo CEO at Evolved.AI
I am the CEO of Evolved Reasoning, a Generative AI – based company that provides education materials for conferences, workshops and presentations... More

I am the CEO of Evolved Reasoning, a Generative AI – based company that provides education materials for conferences, workshops and presentations for executive business leaders looking to understand, trust and deploy artificial intelligence solutions, especially Generative AI models like ChatGPT in their businesses.

With offer a pragmatic business lens on what is otherwise a deep experience set in the algorithmic component and capabilities of complex AI systems. My co-founder and I are both experienced technical business leaders, and we love working with organisations at all levels of competence. In fact, we really enjoy bringing high performing executive teams on the AI journey from a business strategy perspective.

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Peter Weill Senior Advisor at ADAPT
Peter Weill’s work centers on the role, value, and governance of digitisation in enterprises and their ecosystems. His research focuses on digital... More

Peter Weill’s work centers on the role, value, and governance of digitisation in enterprises and their ecosystems. His research focuses on digital business models and transformation, digital savvy and partnering, replatforming, and modern business.

Based in Australia, Peter consults ADAPT and attendees of EDGE events on how to be future ready in the digital age.

Peter has written award-winning books, articles, and case studies published by Harvard Business School Press, Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management Review, The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal and more. 

In 2008, Ziff Davis ranked Peter as #24 in its list of the Top 100 Most Influential People in IT, the highest-ranked academic. 

Peter has worked on digitisation issues with executive committees and boards at more than 50 companies globally.

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Memo Hayek CIO & CTO, Executive Leader, previously Nine Entertainment & CBA
A visionary and value-oriented Chief Information Officer with extensive global experience in planning, developing, and implementing cutting edge technology strategies that digitise,... More

A visionary and value-oriented Chief Information Officer with extensive global experience in planning, developing, and implementing cutting edge technology strategies that digitise, transform and enable business differentiation, optimisation and sustainable growth. As an executive leader collaborates with executive teams to align technology strategy with businesses and the wider corporate vision.

With a career spanning leading financial institutions globally, including Credit Suisse, CBA, Westpac, Macquarie, and NAB, has extensive experience in design and delivery of cost-effective technology solutions to address complex business problems, embed robust operational risk management, digitise and drive customer experience. This is combined with business intelligence, commercial acumen, and cyber security to enable market-attuned growth, future-proof businesses, and innovation with deep expertise in all aspects of project lifecycle, from feasibility analysis and conceptual design, through to implementation.

A track record of building and leading large teams high performance teams that are industry-leading, multidisciplinary, and geographical dispersed with deep skills across IT and businesses that are engaged and focused with vast experience in insourcing and outsourcing models. A strong advocate for and fosters inclusive, diverse and continuous learning cultures.

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John Hunt CIO & Director of Group Enablement at Woolworths
John Hunt was appointed Chief Information and Replenishment Officer on 1 September 2021. John initially joined Woolworths Group in 2017 as Chief... More

John Hunt was appointed Chief Information and Replenishment Officer on 1 September 2021. John initially joined Woolworths Group in 2017 as Chief Information Officer. John spent over 25 years at Woolworths Holdings, South Africa where he held a range of senior IT and core retail leadership roles, including CIO and Senior Executive for Food Planning and Value chain.

A graduate from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town, John is a retailer through and through and is passionate about how information technology and technology innovation is being optimally used in enabling the business to support both the front line team members as well as ensuring our customers have the best shopping experience.

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Angela Logothetis Executive Group Owner Network and Business Application Services at Telstra
At Telstra, Angela and her team have a mission to help the Australian government, enterprise, and businesses transform to digital, transform to... More

At Telstra, Angela and her team have a mission to help the Australian government, enterprise, and businesses transform to digital, transform to the cloud, and transition to Industry 5.0. Angela and her colleagues bring the best of global technology to Australia, integrating it with the country’s best network. They deliver these solutions through Australia’s largest technology integration practice and the largest practice of data and AI scientists.

To simplify the complexity of technology and instill confidence in customers adopting new technologies, Angela ensures that Telstra’s products and services are offered As-a-service, Secured by Telstra, and Managed by Telstra.

With 20 years of experience in the tech industry gained across four continents, Angela has worked with market leaders such as Amdocs, Cramer, Clarity, and Price Waterhouse Consulting to deliver transformation, automation, and monetization to the telco industry. One-third of her career has been spent working onsite with customers, collaboratively achieving business outcomes.

In addition to her role at Telstra, Angela serves as a growth advisor to innovative startup and scale-up companies, playing a crucial role in developing impactful technologies. She also has the privilege of mentoring women in technology and coaching star performers. Actively participating in community groups, Angela contributes to creating a better future for the next generation through initiatives related to mindfulness, the future of work, and climate change.

Passionate about travel and outdoor activities, Angela enjoys exploring the world and making it a point to find the ocean in almost every country she visits. Proudly working for Telstra, Angela is dedicated to growing the Australian tech sector for the next generation, including her two digital-first kids.

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Raj Sundarason Senior Vice President (APAC) & Chief Evangelist at WalkMe
As the Senior Vice President (APAC) & Chief Evangelist for WalkMe™, my tenure has been dedicated to pioneering innovative approaches to digital... More

I am a Regional Sales Leader who builds predictable SaaS businesses in the APJ region with a focus on solving customer problems (not selling). This ‘customer-first’ mindset has helped me to gain an understanding of the customer buying process, which in turn has improved my teams’ ability to predict their sales and enable the team to grow and scale.

Both my experiences at ADP (subscription revenue) and SAP (cloud recurring revenue) have provided me with insight into how to navigate large organizations, and my experiences at WalkMe has given me first-hand insight into understanding the expectations of building a hyper-growth business whilst collaborating with the Founders of the company.

My leadership style focuses on trust, transparency, and accountability, and I have used these principles as the regional point of contact for senior executives and their respective teams. I am the published author of ‘The DAP Strategy’ and with a focus on the ‘Power of How’, I help organizations understand how digital adoption can impact their revenue, risk & cost.

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Adam Dinneen Director, Sales Engineering APAC at WalkMe™
I have over 17 years of experience working in business and technology roles. The vast majority of that time has been focused... More

I have over 17 years of experience working in business and technology roles. The vast majority of that time has been focused on digital product development and leading projects that generate business and customer value using a broad range of technologies and delivery methods. More recently I’ve been trying my hand in the exciting world of Sales Engineering in one of the fastest growing Digital Adoption start-ups, WalkMe!

I’m passionate about delivering great digital experiences that meet the product vision, business objectives and user needs. I’m skilled at collaborating with business, design and engineering teams and building strong stakeholder and vendor relationships by always being focussed, honest and supportive – no matter how much chaos is going on around us!

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Sakshee Kohli Head of Engineering & Site Infrastructure at Coles Group
I am an experienced and accomplished transformation executive with a deep passion for delivering “Business Value” and providing thought leadership. My global... More

I am an experienced and accomplished transformation executive with a deep passion for delivering “Business Value” and providing thought leadership.

My global 20+ years of experience in managing IT and business transformation-focused portfolios enables me to drive sustainable improvements across the technology services delivery process. By leveraging my skills in delivering positive business outcomes across banking, insurance, healthcare, and logistics domains, I successfully facilitate value-driven solutions to customers through measurable operational uplift and a keen ability to recover challenging at-risk programs and projects. I focus on uplifting the quality of business outcomes, the reliability of delivery commitments, and the implementation of standard practices for delivery governance and controls.

I invest time and effort into mentoring, developing, and inspiring a high-performing team, in addition to ensuring the success of my teams through effective management of financials, vendors, and resources.

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Andrew Hinde Regional Sales Manager at Delphix by Preforce
As a Regional Sales Manager at Delphix by Perforce, Andrew Hinde drives continuous data and compliance transformation programs for clients as well... More

As a Regional Sales Manager at Delphix by Perforce, Andrew Hinde drives continuous data and compliance transformation programs for clients as well as leading the growth of strategic partnerships in Australia and New Zealand.

With an extensive career working at the intersection of data and enterprise technology, Andrew has previously held roles at Tibco, Oracle and Clarivate. These roles have covered a range of technologies, including advanced analytics, big data platforms, data integration, data quality and ERP systems. At Delphix, Andrew shares what’s possible when organisations embrace DevOps efficiency by tackling the final automation frontier, their data.

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Modernisation Transformation