The modern CIO performs a critical and complex role in organisations today

What is your name?

Edel Creely

Describe your current role

I’m the Managing Director and co-founder of Trilogy Technologies which encompasses the Trilogy and Zinopy businesses. We are a leading provider of managed IT services and cyber security solutions.

What are your day to day responsibilities?

My responsibilities lie in ensuring the growth and profitability of the group, while providing strategy and leadership in developing our skills and market reach as a managed services provider, encompassing cloud, digital work space and cyber security solutions.

What is your professional background?

I qualified in Engineering from Trinity College Dublin and have worked in the IT industry through its evolution since the birth of the PC. Throughout my career I have held technical commercial and leadership roles in both software and infrastructure services businesses. I have a keen interest in the development of the technology sector in Ireland and have been Chair of the Irish Software Association, a forerunner to Ibec’s Technology Ireland. I have also served on a number of advisory panels for Enterprise Ireland and was President of Ibec in 2017-2018.

What are you speaking about at CIO 2019?

At this year’s summit I have been invited to join a panel discussion on digital government and the skills perspective on developing a positive digital culture amongst the workforce and the public. The discussion will also cover embracing innovative digital approaches to access public services.

How do your particular areas of expertise manifest themselves in your current role?

My expertise in technology has allowed me build a Managed Services business which helps public and private sector organisations to deliver on their digital transformation goals through agile infrastructure, cloud solutions and best-of-breed modern technologies.

What advice would you give to someone adopting a CIO role for the first time?

The CIO needs to represent IT as more than just tactical - it should be seen as strategic. Look to improve the value of existing or new IT investments in the organisation and align with business managers to demonstrate this value in measurable ways.

What are the greatest challenges facing modern technology leaders?

The modern CIO performs a critical and complex role in organisations today. She/he needs the talent and experience to balance innovation with pragmatism, utilise the power of data while dealing with privacy matters, and realise the opportunities for business transformation by new technology while mitigating against risk.

How do you think a CIO can best support company revenue growth?

By matching the strategy of the business with practical IT solutions and services that support business growth. By working closely with the business unit leaders and aligning with their goals in tangible, measurable ways, IT will be seen as the agent of change and driver of company growth.

Edel Creely is speaking at the CIO and IT Leaders Summit on Sept 25 in the Aviva Stadium.

Seewww.ciosummit.ie for details.