An outstanding example of how CIOs succeed in this changing environment is Jacob Mathew, the renowned Head of IT of an Abu Dhabi Government organization and the honored winner of the “CIO of the Year” title at the edge Technology Leadership Awards.
Mathew’s interest in technology started because he had a strong desire to help others and a genuine enthusiasm for computers. His work path is a reflection of his steadfast dedication to these two principles. “I realized that I was passionate about computers and helping people when I was in high school,” he recalls. His choice to seek a degree in computer engineering was motivated by this realization.
After working as an instructor, he followed his profession to Saudi Arabia, where he was employed as a programmer at the Ras Tanura refinery owned by Saudi Aramco. He relocated to the United Arab Emirates in November 1998, where he began working in technical assistance for Computer Assist, a business that IBM subsequently purchased. His commitment to provide PwC with outsourced IT technical help and his proficiency in handling their IT requirements led to an amazing transformation. He accepted an invitation to join PwC’s team in 1999, and over time, he rose through the ranks to take on the crucial position of Head of IT. In this capacity, he oversaw the establishment, centralization, and growth of the IT department throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, covering 12 countries and serving a workforce of over 4,700 employees.
A successful career in IT leadership depends on enthusiasm, preparation, and ongoing learning, as Mathew’s story demonstrates. The next crucial stage is to create a career plan that integrates leadership, soft, and technical abilities. Aspiring IT executives can take use of free materials such as Gartner seminars and podcasts from respected sources like Microsoft, Metis Strategy, Franklin Covey, Harvard Business Review, and big consulting firms, according to Mathew.
