Massimiliano Gerli
Group CIO
Intercos
Massimiliano Gerli is the Chief Information Officer of Intercos Group, a worldwide leader in product innovation and product development within the beauty industry. Passionate for technology, coaching teams and talent development, he has more than 20 years of experience in Information Technology with global, multicultural companies.
Learn more about the Italy CIO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I am a chemical engineer with post graduate studies in organisation and human capital management that have complimented my background and developed my passion for people and team management. I started my career at Accenture, focusing on ERP transformations and change management programs across Europe and the Middle East.
In 2006, I moved to the Amplifon Group - specialty retailers in the hearing aid industry - and I had an incredibly enriching experience as Global CIO, managing the tremendous growth and consolidation of the group. In 2018, I moved to the Bata Group - a leader in the production and distribution of shoes across 70 countries - and I had the opportunity to drive the implementation of their global omnichannel strategy. In 2021, I joined the Intercos Group to transform the organisation with the support of digital technologies and consolidate its leadership within the industry.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Transparency is my driving value and empowerment is the principle to help people grow. Unleash their potential and deliver outstanding results.
With disruption being a key theme of recent years, where do you see the CIO role going in the next 1-2 years?
Disruptions are opportunities to improve and take a step towards change in the evolution of the organisation. Digital capabilities are becoming critical to compete in the market and Information Technology has changed in the last few years.
The role of digital leaders is becoming more complex as technology is critical for all the stakeholders of the organisation. While developing solutions, CIOs have to anticipate trends, drive transformations, minimise risks and develop capabilities as never before. The CIO must connect all functions and businesses, eventually acting as a federator within the organisation to accelerate the adoption of new technologies.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a CIO?
Take time to develop a solid business partnership with all the critical areas of the organisation, establish a communication path with the board and align on the strategic path.
Tell us a few fun facts about yourself.
- I love to travel, meet cultures and learn.
- I am a volunteer and ambulance driver.
- I have been certified BLSD and PBLSD since 2001.
- I am an enthusiastic father.
What is the value of joining an Evanta community?
Networking is a fantastic opportunity to build relationships and get the opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, challenges and visions. Communities do not always work as promised. I believe that Evanta is consistent with its objective.
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