With over 20 years of experience in Business Consulting and IT, Philippe Pierrot has successfully managed and delivered major IT transformation programs involving multiple stakeholders. From rolling out new operating models and managing the change of transformation, he has been leading new Data Management programs, Cloud strategy and implementation (SAP S4/ HANA, Azure, AWS, Google) from the choice of technology, the implementation, and tests. Combining a deep Business and technical background with a great knowledge of processes, PMO and methodologies (Agile), he has advised business lines directors (HR, finance, procurement, supply chain) on choice of technical solutions and process improvement. He is currently a Transformation Cybersecurity Delivery Lead implementing WAF protection for HSBC.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Philippe shared his insights on the top three cloud computing trends to watch out for in the next 5 years, his career trajectory, personal source of inspiration, future plans, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Can you tell us the three trends you expect to see in cloud computing over the next five years?
Rationalization is the Key trend. Most companies have experienced and deployed all main Cloud solutions (AWS, GCP, Azure.) and they start to realize that it is costly in support and licences. There is now a need to strategize Cloud, decide what Apps and Data should be in the Cloud and what should stay on-Prem.
Why should businesses consider migrating to the cloud if they haven’t done so already?
First is what should stay on-Prem vs Cloud vs Hybrid. The move to Cloud has its advantages:
- Better control of IT costs (licences)
- Most Cloud platforms offer elements of security (cyber) Data integrity and Dashboarding.
Philippe, please tell us about yourself and your background. How did you get into the financial services space?
I have been working in the FS for over 15 years both in Business Consulting (Process mapping and improvement, Asset allocation, High Frequency trading, Risk management, customer experience) and Tech consulting (Rollout of ERP platform, Data Management, Digital transformation, Cloud transformation, Cybersecurity). I have always been interested in how FS is managing new regulations and changing business and what technologies and innovative solutions will support the change.
Tell us about your current roles and responsibilities as a Transformation Cybersecurity Delivery Lead implementing WAF protection for HSBC.
I manage the delivery of WAF protection following ECB regulation part of the Cybersecurity transformation program evaluating best Cloud and On-Prem solutions.
What surprised you the most in your journey so far and what did you learn from it?
How transformation has improved efficiency but did deteriorate Customer Experience in FS. Digital transformation, new applications simplify our day-to-day life in managing our assets, investments, and current accounts, this is a great step and service offered by FS but resulting in closing branches and losing contact with clients. The rise of Fintech, Insurtech and Digital transformation impacted greatly Client retention for FS companies.
Which technology are you investing in now to prepare for the future?
Cloud and Cybersecurity technologies will experience the biggest growth in the next 10 years. By being more open on how we access information, we also become more vulnerable, and we need innovative and reliable solutions to manage these changes.
I am also interested by Real time analytics solutions to help companies to take faster and better decisions.
What is it that motivates and inspires you in your everyday life?
People of course and their capacity to build resilience to a constant changing life, business, and technologies.
What are your passions outside of work?
Sailing is the main one, I often compare sailing and business as we need to work as a team, set and achieve goals, build a strategy to succeed.
What is your biggest goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
I would love to have more time to share my knowledge and experience and help smaller businesses to succeed. The biggest companies in FS are disrupted by new and smaller ones (Fintech, payment platforms.) who are more agile, understand clients’ dynamics and changes, new technologies and behaviors (Smartphones.). They often have a need to build a long-term strategy and become a major player in FS.
What advice would you offer others looking to build their career in the financial services industry?
Think outside of the box and be curious. There is a great need for talented people who understand how technology can support transformation and understand the value of changing the business.