PROFILE
O
ld Mutual Limited started in Africa
in 1845 and rapidly developed into
a recognised brand across much of
Southern Africa. Over the years, its business
expanded internationally and, 20 years ago,
it was listed on the London Stock Exchange.
In March 2016, it was decided that the best
way forward for the Old Mutual Group was
to separate its four strong businesses into
independent, standalone companies.
The main aim of the strategy – called
Managed Separation – has been to unlock
and create value for shareholders.
Johnson Idesoh joined Old Mutual Limited
in 2014 and is responsible for all of the
company’s IT services.
Could you highlight some of the
previous positions you have held and
what they entailed? What were the
main technological challenges of
these positions?
When I joined Old Mutual in 2014 as Chief
Technology Officer, our major challenge was
changing the paradigm for technology from
‘a back office’ function to a ‘customer facing
and enhancing’ function.
Prior to Old Mutual, I was with Aviva for
nine years where I held various roles. But I
am most proud of the fact that I was part
of a small group who got Aviva focused
on digitalising customer and employee
experiences between 2011 and 2014, which
for an insurer with hundreds of years of
history was a major win. To this day, Aviva is
a leader in digitalisation in the industry.
What is your managerial style?
I focus on explaining purpose, which is a
basic human need and on providing safety
for my team to act with clarity of purpose.
I BELIEVE
LEADERSHIP IS
ABOUT CREATING
BELIEF. BELIEF IN
A PURPOSE, IN A
STRATEGY AND
CONFIDENCE IN
OUR INDIVIDUAL
AND COLLECTIVE
ABILITY.
Ultimately, I believe leadership is about
creating belief. Belief in a purpose, in a
strategy and confidence in our individual
and collective ability to achieve that strategy
and purpose.
What are the main challenges of
your role as CIO?
Building belief that we can make the
changes ourselves and that we can, with
the strength of our brand and the 13 million
customers who trust us with their savings
and insurance, have access to the best
capability anywhere.
What advice would you give to
aspiring CIOs?
Focus on the space between outcomes and
technology. Your specialism comes from
www.intelligentcio.com
INTELLIGENTCIO
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