Ateria Group

Reinier Josias Marlissa, with over 30 years in IT, serves as the General Manager of Information Technology at Ateria Group. He specializes in digital transformation and cloud computing, contributing thought leadership in renowned publications.

In an exclusive interview with CIOReview, Reinier shared his views on the nuances of IT operations and leadership.

1. Could you share the formative experiences early in your career that propelled you into IT operations, and how those experiences shaped your leadership style and led you to your current role?

In early 1995, during my first career as an Assistant Manager for IT, I faced various operational challenges, from infrastructure upgrades to critical system outages. Leading a team to implement a financial system using Fox Base and COBOL was a pivotal experience that emphasized the importance of cross-functional collaboration, planning, and communication. These early lessons taught me that successful IT operations rely on both technical expertise and understanding business goals, shaping my leadership style to focus on empowering teams and aligning initiatives with organizational objectives.

2. How do you evaluate IT investments and expenditures to ensure they align with business priorities and deliver expected returns on investment?

Several key points to highlight that I always use to evaluate investment and expenditures in IT, as follows:

• Align IT Investments with Business Goals

We need to understand business priorities by collaborating with business leaders to identify key strategic objectives then we are mapping the IT initiatives to align with business goal.

• Conduct a cost-benefit analysis

Quantify the cost, identify tangible benefits and use some sort of financial metrics to calculate the ROI

• Assess Risks and Dependencies

We need to identify and mitigate the risks such as challenges and vulnerabilities. After that we need to evaluate dependencies on how the IT investment interacts with existing systems, processes, and other projects.

• Measure Performance and Outcomes

Defining the KPIs and performing post-implementation reviews were key points in measuring performance and outcomes.

• Track Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Analyze all costs associated with an IT investment over its lifecycle, including hidden costs like downtime or training.

• Foster The Collaboration Between IT and Business Units

Involve business leaders, end-users, and IT teams in the evaluation process to ensure buy-in and alignment.

 Regularly conducting technology audits and competitive analysis helps identify gaps and opportunities 

3. How do you master the art of vendor negotiations— balancing cost-effectiveness with robust relationships and SLAs that meet today’s IT demands?

Mastering the IT vendor negotiations by preparing thoroughly, building strong relationships, and aiming for win-win outcomes. Define clear SLAs, leverage competitive bids, and review contracts carefully. Monitor performance, hone negotiation skills, use tools, and adapt based on experience. Balance cost, relationships, and SLAs to meet modern IT demands effectively.

4.Could you walk us through the cybersecurity frameworks and disaster recovery strategies you’ve implemented to safeguard Ateria’s critical information?

To safeguard critical information, I have implemented standard cybersecurity frameworks like NIST CSF and ISO 27001 as a guideline to establish risk management, access controls, and incident response protocols.

For disaster recovery, I have designed and implemented strategies, including regular backups (on-site and cloud), RTO and RPO-defined recovery plans, and failover systems, to ensure business continuity. Additionally, I conduct regular audits, employee training, and penetration testing to maintain resilience against evolving threats.

5. How do you ensure your IT team is well-trained and equipped to handle external challenges that could impact autonomy and project success?

To ensure my IT team is well-trained and equipped, I prioritize continuous learning through certifications, workshops, and hands-on training. I maintain a collaborative culture with cross-functional knowledge sharing and mentorship. Regular skill assessments and scenario-based drills prepare the team for external challenges. Additionally, I provide access to cutting-edge tools and industry best practices, ensuring they have the resources to maintain autonomy and drive project success.

6. What proactive steps do you take to stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies, keeping Ateria competitive in the digital era?

Of course, to stay ahead, I actively monitor industry trends through subscriptions to tech journals, attending online and offline conferences or webinars, and participating in professional networks. I encourage innovation by piloting emerging technologies and collaborating with startups or vendors. Regularly conducting technology audits and competitive analysis helps identify gaps and opportunities. Additionally, I always foster a culture of continuous learning within the team, ensuring we adapt quickly to maintain a competitive edge in the digital era.

7.What key advice would you offer to aspiring IT professionals who are eager to rise to leadership roles in this ever-evolving field?

First, build a strong network, and this is a must! Secondly, embrace the process and continuous learning (Never stop learning!). Thirdly, develop your technical and soft skills and Last one, we should be the person who always take initiative, seek out the challenges and driving the better results.