Martin Kobera - Director, Digital Transformation, Aspiro

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Work Background

AspiroDirector, Digital Transformation

Aug. 2023In my role at Aspiro, I leverage my extensive career experience to aid businesses in fortifying their digital infrastructure. My responsibilities centre around: - Conducting in-depth digital assessments for companies to pinpoint areas for enhancement and recommend practical steps for improvement. - Crafting tailored digital transformation strategies aligning with each organisation's needs and objectives. - Implementing technological solutions to refine customer and employee interactions with our clients' businesses. A significant aspect of my work is the practical application of digital strategies. This pragmatic approach is informed by my extensive background in various CIO and CTO positions, where I gained valuable insights into effective and ineffective practices in real-world scenarios. Having been at the forefront of digital advancements in multiple sectors, I now apply this wealth of experience in consulting. I offer guidance and advice to businesses embarking on their digital journeys, ensuring the technology solutions we deploy are both innovative and pragmatically effective.

AspiroDigital Transformation Advisor

Jun. 2023 - Aug. 2023During my brief tenure as a Digital Transformation Advisor, I focused on assisting businesses in bolstering their cyber resilience.

Schlieger, s.r.o.CIO

Jan. 2022 - Mar. 2023Prague, CzechiaAt Schlieger, a leader in renewable energy, heat pumps, low-temperature heating systems, and photovoltaics, my challenge was establishing the IT department and infrastructure from scratch. Key aspects of my role included: - I was tasked with the foundational setup of the IT Department. I began with a blank canvas, strategically developing a robust IT infrastructure to support the company's fast growth and digital aspirations. - Creating the entire IT department involved recruiting a skilled team, implementing/updating the core systems, strengthening and securing the network infrastructure, and instituting efficient processes. I focused on laying a solid groundwork with clearly defined service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure reliable support for the company's operations and future projects.

Meta IT s.r.o.CTO

Feb. 2020 - May. 2021Czech RepublicI focused on delivering meaningful results and guiding strategic transformations at Meta IT, a Czech software house. Key responsibilities and achievements included: - Expanding the delivery team and identifying new technological opportunities to propel business growth. Introducing practical technologies and processes, including agile methodologies, cloud solutions, CICD, and Atlassian tools, to enhance operational efficiency. - Leading the transformation of Lusk.io, an applicant tracking system (ATS) acquired by Meta IT, converting it from a complex geeky app into a stable and more user-friendly product. - Enhancing relationships and workflows with key clients and partners within the Czech Republic and internationally. - Initiating the ISO certification process and integrating consultancy services, repositioning Meta IT from merely a software provider to a comprehensive digital solutions partner. - Adapting the delivery team for remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, optimising tools and processes for effective virtual collaboration. My role at Meta IT was centred on fostering impactful changes, building a highly competent team, and establishing the company as a dynamic player in the digital solutions arena.

Creative Dock NLCTO

Feb. 2018 - Jan. 2020The Hague Area, NetherlandsCreative Dock is the fastest-growing corporate venture builder in Europe & MENA. The company helps large companies find and bring in new revenue by creating new services and products in banking, insurance, retail and other industries – from initial idea to design to scale. - Led the tech side of things for their Dutch representation. Guided digital transformation, business continuity management, cloud technology, GDPR compliance, agile and traditional environments, risk management, and governance structures. - Collaborated with Vivat (now Athora, a financial services provider) to develop and implement an innovative reverse mortgage product tailored for the Dutch market called Stekkie. - Created a prototype for a VAT reclaiming e-commerce service targeted at corporate travellers in the EU. - Developed the IT strategy and architecture for Brinker, a peer-to-peer lending platform. - Contributed to obtaining a crowdfunding license for Brinker from the Dutch financial regulator AFM. - Led IT due diligence during investment discussions to Brinker with a major Dutch bank. - Managed relationships and deliverables with outsourced development partners. - Later, at Creative Dock Austria, devised a market entry strategy for Raiffeisen Bank International in the German retail banking sector.

CloudSailorCo-Founder

Apr. 2014 - Feb. 2018Prague, The Capital, Czech RepublicAt CloudSailor, a start-up e-commerce platform, my role was central in launching and managing a sophisticated B2B and B2C e-commerce platform focusing on user experience. Key responsibilities and achievements included: - Overseeing marketing strategies and business development activities to promote and grow the platform. - Establishing a partnership with Czech ERP vendor ABRA, thereby positioning CloudSailor as their e-commerce partner of choice for SMEs. - Attracting and securing new retail clients, particularly those seeking to advance from basic e-commerce systems to more comprehensive, feature-rich platforms.

Independent Consulting ProjectsConsultancy Assignments

Mar. 1998 - Mar. 2022Selected consulting assignments: Adecco Group, Consultant (2021-2022): Global asset management system deployment piloted in two regions troubleshot with engineers in India. SPP Distribution, Cutover Manager (2015-2016): Managed a large-scale data migration and cutover project, overseeing Oracle developers in transitioning a gas distribution unit into a new entity. Slovenská Sporiteľňa (ERSTE Group), Project Manager (2014-2015): Directed a big-data pilot, enhancing banking transactions, fraud detection, and analytics. AVG Technologies, Interim Release Manager/Project Manager (2010-2012): Led a key project replacing legacy sales applications, CRM, and CMS, introducing ITIL-based release methodology and service desk integration. Tesco Stores Central Europe, Project Manager (2011): Managed Business Analysts in CEE Warehouse Consolidation, focusing on CRs specifications. EUROWAG, PMO Consultant (2009-2010): Developed a bespoke project management system for a leading integrated mobility provider. APX-ENDEX, QA Consultant (2010): Created QA strategies for Anglo-Dutch energy exchange Home Credit, Interim Program Manager (2010): Established program management for ICT releases across Asia. ČEZ ICT Services, PMO Consultant (2009): Supported SAP re-implementation to aid 100+ consultants and personnel, coordinating several parallel project streams. Warid Uganda, On-site Delivery Manager (2008): Deployed the OSS/BSS system Foris NG plus CRM, including integrations. Scope for WiMAX. Reversed an initially failed project to a successful launch. DHL ITSC, Service Transition Manager (2008-2009): Led transition planning and system migration efforts for IT function centralisation to Prague from 13 Nordic countries. ComGate, Project Manager (2006-2007): Designed and implemented a 150-agent outbound call centre Early Career (1998-2006): Diverse projects across KOGA, Oracle, Vodafone, Alcatel, and GE Money, establishing a foundation in technology and project management.