Governing Body Spotlight

Marie Banks is an accomplished transformation and technology leader with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. As the Interim Global CIO at Croda (FTSE100), she oversees the Global Technology, Digital, and Data function, leading initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and drive business growth. Marie has held key roles at Croda and DB Cargo UK Ltd, where she successfully implemented digital and data transformation programs. Recognised in the CIO TOP 100 for 2022 and 2023, Marie is known for her ability to leverage data-driven insights and innovative solutions to achieve significant business outcomes.

Learn more about the UK & Ireland CIO community here.
 

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

My pathway to the role of Interim Global CIO at Croda (FTSE100) has been driven by a strategic focus and strong commercial acumen. My career began at English Welsh and Scottish Railways, where I held various roles, including Head of Performance and Account Manager. I then transitioned to Thales as a Logistics Consultant, where I designed and implemented digital transformation programs for logistics customers across Europe.

In 2014, I joined DB Cargo UK Ltd as Programme Director, eventually becoming the Chief Transformation & Digital Officer. During my tenure, I led digital and data transformation initiatives, increasing operating efficiency and delivering significant business value. My ability to identify opportunities for transformation and drive change across diverse organisations has been a key factor in my success.

In 2023, I joined Croda as IT Strategy, Planning & Delivery Director, where I designed and implemented a global technology, digital, and data strategy. My success in this role led to my current position as Interim Global CIO, where I oversee the Global Technology, Digital, and Data function. I lead initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and drive business growth. My strong analytical skills and ability to leverage data-driven insights have consistently enabled more informed decisions and value-driven outcomes.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

One of my guiding leadership principles is embracing positive disruption. I believe that challenging the status quo and encouraging innovative thinking are essential for driving progress and achieving significant business outcomes. By fostering a culture that welcomes change and values creative solutions, we can continuously improve and adapt to evolving market demands. Positive disruption not only helps in identifying new opportunities but also empowers teams to think outside the box and deliver exceptional results.
 

With disruption being a key theme of the past few years, where do you see your role as a CIO going in the next 1-2 years?

With disruption being a key theme of the past few years, I see my role as CIO at Croda evolving to focus even more on driving innovation and leveraging emerging technologies to create value for the business. In the next 1-2 years, I will be concentrating on enhancing operational efficiency and resilience through the implementation of advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. These technologies will enable us to make more informed decisions, optimise processes, and anticipate market changes more effectively.

Additionally, I will be prioritising collaboration with business leaders to ensure that IT initiatives are closely aligned with Croda's overall business goals. By fostering strong partnerships across the organisation, we can drive more impactful and strategic outcomes. Furthermore, I will focus on nurturing future IT talent by creating opportunities for professional development and mentorship. Investing in the growth and development of our IT team will be crucial for sustaining innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
 

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the role as a CIO?

Foster strong partnerships with business leaders and stakeholders. Understanding their needs and challenges will help you tailor IT initiatives that drive business value and support overall goals. Those relationships can be both internal and external and will help you become a more rounded CIO.
 

Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself.

1. I'm an avid reader and enjoy exploring different genres. From science fiction to historical fiction, I love getting lost in a good book and discovering new worlds and perspectives. 
2. I love exploring new places and getting off the beaten track. 
3. I am a keen but not always successful gardener (don’t ever ask me about growing vegetables!).
    

What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?

Joining an Evanta community provides invaluable opportunities for knowledge sharing and benchmarking with peers, helping to elevate my professional standards and drive continuous improvement. It helps me raise my bar and keep my skills and network fresh and diverse.
 

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