Role:
The Regional CIO is responsible for defining and executing the technology strategy, operating model and digital transformation agenda across Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
The role provides leadership across infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity oversight, enterprise architecture, digital transformation and AI adoption, ensuring technology becomes a competitive advantage for the business.
The successful candidate will lead the evolution from fragmented country-based IT organizations towards a scalable regional operating model with standardized platforms, shared services, strong governance and improved visibility across the region.
This is a highly operational and hands-on leadership role requiring experience leading multi-country technology organizations, transformation programs and M&A integrations in complex and decentralized businesses.
Responsibilities:
Technology Strategy & Operating Model:
- Define and execute the APAC & Middle East technology strategy aligned with regional business priorities and Group standards.
- Review and redesign the regional IT operating model to support growth, scale and acquisitions.
- Drive a successful a implementation of the new IT reaping the benefits while mitigating risks.
- Establish the appropriate balance between Group, Regional and Country IT responsibilities and governance.
- Drive standardization, centralization and consolidation where scale benefits exist while preserving local capabilities where they create competitive advantage.
- Develop a scalable technology platform capable of supporting organic growth and future acquisitions.
- Establish regional governance, decision rights and investment prioritization frameworks.
Infrastructure, Service Delivery & Operations
- Own the regional infrastructure strategy including cloud, networks, workplace technology, end-user computing and service delivery.
- Review and optimize the current operating model across internal teams, outsourced providers and Group-managed services.
- Improve reliability, availability, resilience and disaster recovery capabilities across the region.
- Establish regional service management standards, KPIs and reporting mechanisms.
- Drive standardization of infrastructure platforms, support models and service providers where appropriate.
Applications and Enterprise platforms:
- Govern the regional application portfolio including ERP, Salesforce, HRIS, CAFM and operational systems.
- Lead application rationalization and platform consolidation initiatives.
- Ensure effective integration between local systems and Group platforms.
- Support major transformation programs involving ERP, HRIS, data and operational technologies.
- Ensure technology investments support business growth and operational efficiency objectives.
Cybersecurity, Risk & Compliance
Provide regional leadership and oversight for cybersecurity in partnership with Group Cyber teams.
Ensure compliance with local regulations, privacy requirements and Group standards across all markets.
Improve cyber maturity, visibility and governance across the region.
Strengthen business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities.
Ensure cybersecurity considerations are embedded into all technology initiatives and investment decisions.
Digital Transformation, Automation & AI
- Define and execute the regional digital transformation and AI roadmap.
- Identify opportunities to improve productivity, simplify operations and eliminate manual activities through technology, automation and AI.
- Partner with operational leaders to redesign business processes and improve service delivery models.
- Support operational excellence initiatives through the use of technology-enabled process improvement.
- Drive adoption of AI, analytics, workflow automation and digital solutions across operational and support functions.
- Establish governance and standards for the responsible and secure use of AI technologies.
- Scale successful pilots and digital initiatives across multiple countries and business units.
- Support the business in improving productivity, increasing operating leverage and reducing administrative effort through technology.
- Gradually develop new inhouse capabilities to support the digitization plans, based oncost/benefits analysis.
Commercial Management & Governance
- Own the regional technology budget and investment priorities.
- Establish governance principles and routines to facilitate country needs prioritization.
- Manage technology vendors, strategic partners and outsourcing arrangements.
- Improve cost transparency and identify opportunities for synergies and optimization.
- Lead sourcing decisions, contract negotiations and supplier performance management.
- Ensure technology investments are linked to measurable business outcomes and return on investment.
M&A, Integration & Transformation
- Lead technology due diligence activities for acquisitions and divestments.
- Develop repeatable integration and separation playbooks for future transactions.
- Accelerate acquisition onboarding and technology integration timelines.
- Support the Group's buy-and-build strategy through scalable technology integration capabilities.
- Identify opportunities to create synergies and accelerate value creation following acquisitions.
Business Partnership
- Act as the senior technology advisor to the regional leadership team.
- Translate business strategy into technology priorities and execution plans.
- Represent regional business interests in discussions with Group Technology functions.
- Build strong partnerships with country managing directors and operational leaders across the region.
- Ensure technology remains closely aligned with commercial and operational objectives.
Requirements:
- Minimum 15years of technology leadership experience with significant regional responsibilities across Asia Pacific.
- Proven experience leading multi-country technology organisations and operating models.
- Strong track record of centralizing, transforming or redesigning regional IT organisations.
- Experience operating within complex matrix organizations with centralized global functions.
- Significant experience across infrastructure, enterprise applications, service delivery and cybersecurity governance.
- Proven experience leading digital transformation and productivity improvement programs.
- Experience supporting M&A due diligence, integration and separation activities.
- Experience managing significant regional technology budgets and third-party suppliers.
- Experience working with senior business stakeholders and executive leadership teams.
- Strong understanding of APAC regulatory, privacy and cybersecurity requirements.
- Experience in Middle East markets.
- Exposure to Microsoft technologies including Azure, M365 and Dynamics 365 environments.
- Experience with AI, automation, analytics and data platforms.
