Governing Body Spotlight

Luis Fernandez has a multidisciplinary background in marketing, finance, and software development. With a Master's in finance and degrees in computer science and informatics, Fernandez bridges the gap between strategy and technology.

In the last twenty years, Fernandez has carried out over 250 projects on four continents, providing some of the biggest brands in the world with cutting-edge technical solutions in the areas of content, commerce, mobile, and martech. He has worked as a developer, architect, CTO, advisor, product strategist, and marketing consultant, to name just a few.

He has led multicultural teams of engineers, strategists, and content specialists and is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. His constant goal is to bridge the gap between technical execution and business vision.

Fernandez, who is currently Executive Director of Technology at VML, focuses on the future of automation, marketing, and content platforms, investigating how data-driven personalization, AI can change business outcomes.

Learn more about the Houston CIO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

I've always loved technology, and I knew that I wanted to work with software. Thus, I pursued a degree in systems and computer science. Early on, I worked in telcos, banking, and enterprise planning before discovering my passion for the blend of technology and digital commerce and marketing. I realized that technology doesn't exist in a vacuum and can amplify the reach of other disciplines, so I also started exploring adjacent fields like HR and marketing and finally decided to get a Master's in Finance. 

I started my software services company, but decided to join forces with a niche software integrator in Guatemala, where I am from. Serving as CTO, I helped scale the company across multiple countries – the US, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile, until we were acquired by WPP. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, I found my home in VML. Today, I am humbled and inspired to work alongside a talented and motivated team that delivers top-notch technologies and experiences to ambitious brands across the globe.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

People first. Technology is built by people. Motivated individuals, devoted to their craft, create extraordinary technical solutions.
 

What is the greatest challenge CIOs face today, and how are you addressing it?

The greatest challenge in my industry today is keeping up with the increasing complexity of the digital ecosystem. As we move toward more microservices, composable architectures, and an explosion of hyper-focused platforms, understanding how they work and interact is not an easy task.

At the same time, AI is reshaping the landscape – and quickly. It represents a massive opportunity, not only to reduce costs, but to accelerate code and content creation, personalization, and to facilitate workflows and decision-making.

Finding a safe and scalable way to implement it is a key objective. Most importantly, it’s about making sure people are proficient with AI, and training them to use it responsibly and effectively.
 

What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CIO?

• Technology is not an end; it’s a means. It’s easy to confuse that, especially for people who are passionate about tech. But it’s important to always focus on the value it brings.
• Ruthless prioritization is critical – not just of projects, but also of learning and understanding adjacent spaces. Technical expertise alone isn’t enough; you need to speak the language of every department you enable.
• Human Architecture: Build teams where engineers understand the macro problems their technologies are solving.
   

How do you measure success as a leader?

As a business leader, success must always connect to revenue – that’s non-negotiable. But the magic happens when you pair financial rigor with a vision that’s close enough to achieve, yet bold enough to inspire. Inspired teams don’t just drive growth; they sustain it. Because when people believe in where they’re going, the dollars follow.
 

What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?

From my very first interaction, I was thrilled to see that it’s an actual community. Many members have been here for a long time, and there’s a genuine and welcoming spirit of camaraderie.

At the same time, it represents a very diverse set of industries, which leads to fascinating conversations about how technology takes different shapes for different needs. Every interaction brings new knowledge and perspectives.
 

Gartner C-level Communities Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.