In this CIO Edge interview, Ram Kalyanasundaram, Group Technology & Digital Transformation Director, explains how Lion Co modernised legacy systems and built a cloud-first foundation for agility and growth.

Ram explains that the company’s legacy systems were restricting its ability to keep pace with a rapidly changing marketplace.

With younger consumers entering the alcohol market and shifts away from core categories such as beer, Lion required technology capable of supporting business reinvention.

Their 1980s-era ERP, along with hundreds of peripheral and acquired applications, was inefficient and outdated.

To modernise, Lion undertook a “big bang” transformation, replacing the old ERP with S4 Hana and integrating systems such as Ariba, Concur, SuccessFactors, IBP, and CFC, while retiring nearly 500 legacy applications.

This overhaul created a streamlined, integrated digital landscape that boosted operational efficiency and customer experience, with 85–90% of order volume now flowing through digital channels.

The next phase of Lion’s digital transformation is a cloud-first strategy, conceived alongside the ERP modernisation.

Ram outlines the company’s aim to shift the majority of its technology infrastructure to SaaS-based or private cloud solutions, providing scalability, flexibility, and alignment with broader business goals.

By combining a modernised core ERP with cloud-first infrastructure, Lion is positioning itself to respond rapidly to market changes, enhance digital engagement, and empower marketing, sales, and finance teams to operate more efficiently in a competitive, digital-first environment.

Lion is also addressing significant technical debt while exploring AI adoption.

Ram highlights initiatives such as evaluating enterprise-specific GPT models and trialling AI use cases on platforms like AWS, Microsoft, and ServiceNow to stay ahead of technological trends.

However, moving generative AI from pilot to production presents challenges around governance, security, and regulatory compliance, with AI bots treated almost like employees in terms of oversight.

In parallel, following a major ransomware attack in 2020, Ram has overseen enhancements to cybersecurity, focusing on robust technological defences and fostering a strong cyber-aware culture through education and organisational preparedness.

 

Key takeaways:

  • Modernising for agility: Lion replaced outdated legacy systems and hundreds of peripheral applications with S4 Hana and integrated platforms, creating a streamlined, digital-first infrastructure that supports faster business response and improves customer experience.
  • Cloud-first strategy: The company is moving most of its technology infrastructure to SaaS-based or private cloud solutions, enabling scalability, flexibility, and alignment with broader business goals while reducing technical debt.
  • AI and cyber security focus: Lion is exploring generative AI and other advanced technologies, addressing governance, security, and compliance challenges, while strengthening cyber security and fostering a cyber-aware culture following a major ransomware attack.
Contributors
Ram Kalyanasundaram Group Technology & Digital Transformation Director
Technology & Digital Transformation Executive with 20+ years of experience driving enterprise-wide transformation, shaping future-focused technology strategies, and delivering measurable business outcomes.... More

Technology & Digital Transformation Executive with 20+ years of experience driving enterprise-wide transformation, shaping future-focused technology strategies, and delivering measurable business outcomes. I work at the intersection of technology, commercial strategy, and enterprise value—partnering with C-suite leaders to embed technology as a competitive enabler across core and growth functions.

Reporting directly to the Chief Growth & Commercial Officer, I lead the development and execution of enterprise-wide technology roadmaps spanning digital platforms, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. I build and scale high-performing teams, foster a culture of innovation and accountability, and create an environment where diverse talent can thrive.

My leadership spans end-to-end digital transformation—including Application & Infrastructure modernization, cloud migration, SaaS adoption, Cost Optimisation and technology operating model redesign. I’ve led critical M&A and divestment programs, delivered global outsourcing strategies, and established resilient IT foundations that support growth and scalability. I also oversee enterprise cybersecurity—ensuring operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and proactive risk management.

I believe leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about being the clearest. I bring a calm, strategic presence to the table, where composure meets conviction, and where influence is earned through trust, not force.

Throughout my journey, I’ve found that true impact happens when you bring people together—not just to get things done, but to co-create meaningful change. I lead by building connections, fostering collaboration, and empowering others to rise. Because behind every success is a team, and behind every team are families, mentors, and communities who deserve to be seen and valued.

Like the leaders I admire—those who move with purpose and humility—I strive to align bold transformation with grounded integrity. Whether I’m driving strategic growth, navigating complexity, or helping others unlock their potential, I’m anchored in one belief: Leadership is a service, not a spotlight.

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Byron Connolly Head of Programs & Value Engagement at ADAPT
Byron Connolly is a highly experienced technology and business journalist, editor, corporate writer, and event producer, and ADAPT’s Head of Programs and... More

Byron Connolly is a highly experienced technology and business journalist, editor, corporate writer, and event producer, and ADAPT’s Head of Programs and Value Engagement.

Prior to joining Adapt, he was the editor-in-chief at CIO Australia and associate editor at CSO Australia. He also created and led the well-known CIO50 awards program in Australia and The CIO Show podcast.

As the Head of Programs, Byron creates valuable insights for ADAPT’s community of senior technology and business professionals, helping them reach their organisational and professional goals. With over 25 years of experience, he has a passion for uncovering stories about the careers and personal philosophies of Australia’s top technology and digital executives.

When he is not working, Byron enjoys hot yoga, swimming, running, and spending time with his family.

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cloud transformation security