In this, the second of a series of interviews with CIOs in industry sectors particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, I was asking questions of Que Tran of DP World.
Who are you, what organisation do you work for and what’s your role?
My name is Que Tran and I am currently Head of IT for Europe & Russia at DP World, a leading enabler of global trade and an integral part of the supply chain with over 150 operations in 40 countries. DP World handles approximately 9% of the world’s container trade.
I have previously held a number of senior international leadership positions across a range of sectors including media, market research, manufacturing, logistics, inter-governmental and financial services.
In addition to technology leadership, I am focused on cyber, digitalization and innovation initiatives to help protect, optimise and transform the organisation and industry.
Since you started this role, what do you think the biggest change has been in terms of how the organisation views technology (up until the pandemic)
The biggest change (particularly in the last 18 months) is that the organisation viewing technology and IT as not only a business enabler but leading the organisation’s transformation, a hub for innovation and integral to the development, launch and revenue generation of new commercial products and services.
What improvements are you most proud of from your time in that role?
A multitude of programmes and projects, but I am most proud of the enabling a collaborative and empowered IT organisation that is now consistently delivering and enabling transformative change and trusted by the organisation and our external stakeholders.
What do you find surprises people about your organisation and how it uses tech?
As an organisation we are continually pushing forwards with new technology and the business benefits this brings. We have invested early on in AI and Blockchain and the continued development of the ‘Smart Digital Container Terminal’. Rotterdam World Gateway is one of only a handful of fully automated container terminals in the world operating fully automated QCs (quay cranes), AGVs (automated guided vehicles) and ASCs (automated stacking cranes). A successful leading example of combining technology capabilities (operational, information and digital).
How have you responded to the remote working challenge of the pandemic?
As a global organisation, the tools and solutions we have in place already facilitated remote working en-masse across our different businesses prior to the pandemic.
Have you furloughed many IT staff – how did you manage that and how are you keeping those staff engaged?
We have mostly kept the IT staffing levels intact. The need for technical and digital capabilities is paramount during this time and envisaged to continue. Regular communications and feedback across different channels (formal and informal) and from different stakeholders (line manager, team, people etc.) help to keep staff engaged.
Will the effect of the pandemic change your priorities as an IT organisation?
Yes – the acceleration of digital transformation, products and services.