Downer, Department of Defence, and NGM Group CIOs on how CIOs can lead simplification to enable business-led change

In this CIO Edge panel discussion, Peter Alexander, CTO at the Department of Defence; Nicola Dowling, Group CIO at Downer; and Andrew Cresp, award-winning CIO at NGM Group, explore the crucial role of simplification in IT and business transformation.

Peter highlights the necessity of reducing silos and streamlining operations within an inherently complex organisation.

While Defence operates as a joint force, success in the digital age demands continuous efforts to simplify systems and integrate capabilities.

The ambition is to modernise through strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, ensuring that Defence can adapt and collaborate effectively with coalition partners such as AUKUS and Five Eyes.

Nicola emphasises the importance of end-to-end technology transformation within large organisations like Downer.

She describes the challenges of managing multiple technologies across diverse business units and advocates for a structured approach to consolidating technology solutions.

By mapping capabilities, CIOs can ensure technology investments align with business objectives, fostering growth while optimising internal processes.

She also notes that while business curiosity about new technology is valuable, CIOs must guide organisations towards scalable, efficient solutions to prevent unnecessary complexity.

From a financial and regulatory perspective, Andrew explains how simplification directly translates to cost savings and strategic focus.

In banking, maintaining multiple IT ecosystems increases cyber security risks and regulatory burdens, diverting resources from customer-driven innovation.

He shares insights on reducing inefficiencies, transitioning from eight systems to one, and making a compelling case for transformation at the board level.

His key message is clear: organisations that fail to simplify will spend twice as much on inefficiencies rather than investing in meaningful advancements.

This aligns with ADAPT research, which underscores how businesses must prioritise simplification and adaptability to remain competitive in an era of rapid technological change.

Key takeaways:

• Simplification is essential for modernisation – Large and complex organisations, including Defence and banking, must reduce silos, consolidate systems, and streamline operations to remain agile. Simplification enables better decision-making, enhances security, and improves operational efficiency.
• Technology must align with business goals – CIOs play a critical role in ensuring that technology investments drive business objectives rather than adding complexity. By mapping capabilities and consolidating tech stacks, organisations can optimise processes, drive growth, and improve customer experiences.
• Cost and risk reduction through strategic IT consolidation – Maintaining multiple IT ecosystems increases cyber security risks, regulatory burdens, and operational costs. Organisations that prioritise simplification can reallocate resources towards innovation and customer-centric initiatives, gaining a competitive edge.