Chief Information Officer – Asia Pacific Zone

Company Description

Veolia group is the global leader in optimized resource management. The Group designs and provides water, waste and energy management solutions that contribute to the sustainable development of communities and industries. Through its three complementary business activities, Veolia helps to develop access to resources, preserve available resources, and to replenish them.

Job Description

Location: Hong Kong / Singapore

We are looking for an experienced and visionary Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the Information Technology function across the Asia Pacific Zone. Reporting directly to the CEO APAC, this strategic leadership role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive IT strategy that drives digital transformation, operational excellence, and business growth across the region. 

Based in either Hong Kong or Singapore, the CIO will oversee all technology infrastructure, systems, data management, and IT operations whilst building and leading a high-performing team. A primary mandate for this role will be the regional deployment of the Group's suggested Technology Backbone, ensuring Cyber Security, scaling Data and AI technologies for operational value, and championing our SATAWAD (Secure Any Time Any Where Any Device) digital workplace strategy.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and execute a multi-year IT strategy and technology roadmap aligned with Veolia's corporate objectives and regional business priorities.

• Establish a clear framework for systems architecture, standardisation, and integration across the Asia Pacific Zone, ensuring full adoption of the Group's foundational tech backbone.

• Drive digital transformation initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and competitive advantage, specifically leveraging Data and AI to accelerate Veolia's growth targets.

• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and their potential application to business challenges

• Collaborate with the Group CIO to ensure alignment with global IT strategy whilst maintaining regional autonomy and responsiveness.

Systems & Infrastructure

• Design and oversee the implementation of enterprise-wide systems architecture, ensuring scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness

• Establish governance frameworks for systems selection, deployment, and lifecycle management

• Optimise IT infrastructure across multiple countries and business units, identifying opportunities for consolidation and economies of scale

• Ensure business continuity, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity resilience across all operations

• Spearhead the rollout and ongoing maturity of the SATAWAD strategy, ensuring a secure, collaborative, and mobile cloud-based workplace for all employees.

Data & Analytics

• Build a comprehensive data strategy that enables data-driven decision-making across the organisation, treating data as a core business asset capable of driving value.

• Establish data governance, quality standards, and security protocols

• Develop analytics capabilities and insights that support business intelligence and operational optimisation

• Oversee data architecture and integration across disparate systems, laying the groundwork necessary to operationalise generative AI and predictive machine learning models at scale.

• Align data initiatives with Group-level data strategy and standards

Financial Management & Cost Control

• Develop and manage the IT budget with a focus on cost optimisation and ROI, managing financial rigor commensurate with a large operation.

• Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives and economies of scale across the region

• Establish transparent IT service costing models and chargeback mechanisms

• Negotiate vendor contracts and manage technology partnerships to maximise value

• Collaborate with Group IT on procurement and licensing to leverage global scale advantages

People & Stakeholder Management

• Build and develop a world-class IT leadership team and technical workforce

• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence

• Foster a culture of disciplined project delivery, ensuring initiatives are executed on time, within scope, and aligned with strategic business outcomes.

• Embed deep operational knowledge within the team to ensure that technical projects are not just delivered but are also fit-for-purpose and sustainable within the regional business context.

• Implement robust project management methodologies that bridge the gap between high-level IT strategy and daily operational realities.

• Establish strong partnerships with business unit leaders, ensuring IT solutions align with business needs

• Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and the executive team

• Manage relationships with external vendors, consultants, and technology partners

• Maintain effective working relationships with the Group CIO, peer regional CIOs, and global IT centres of excellence

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with regional data protection regulations (GDPR, PDPA, etc.) and industry standards.

• Establish IT governance frameworks and risk management protocols aligned with Group standards

• Oversee cybersecurity strategy and incident response capabilities, incorporating Zero Trust principles to strictly align with our SATAWAD ambitions.

• Maintain audit readiness and regulatory compliance across all IT operations

• Report to the Group CIO on compliance, risk, and strategic initiatives

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or related field 

• MBA or equivalent advanced business qualification preferred

• Relevant certifications (PMP, ITIL, CISSP, or similar) are advantageous

Experience

• Minimum 12-15 years of progressive IT leadership, with at least 5-7 years in a CIO or equivalent senior IT executive role, preferably managing IT for a €2bn+ scale business. 

• Proven experience managing IT operations across multiple countries and complex organisational structures

• Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic IT roadmaps and digital transformation initiatives, including the successful deployment of a standardised tech backbone across fragmented business units.

• Strong background in enterprise systems architecture, ERP implementation, and infrastructure optimisation

• Track record of cost control, budget management, and identifying economies of scale in IT operations. 

• Experience building and leading high-performing IT teams in matrix or complex environments

• Proven ability to work effectively with Group-level functions and maintain alignment with global strategy

• Experience in the utilities, environmental services, or infrastructure sectors

• Prior experience working in Asia Pacific markets

• Exposure to sustainability and ESG technology initiatives

• Experience with digital workplace transformation and employee experience optimisation, ideally having previously driven similar initiatives to SATAWAD.

• Knowledge of manufacturing or operations technology (OT) environments

• Previous experience working within a global matrix organisation

Technical skills

• Enterprise IT Infrastructure & Cloud Technologies: Deep understanding of enterprise IT infrastructure, cloud technologies, and hybrid IT environments

• Data Management & Business Intelligence Expertise: Expertise in data management, analytics platforms, and business intelligence tools

• Cybersecurity Frameworks, Compliance & Cloud Security: Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, compliance requirements, and risk management, with practical experience securing modern, cloud-first SATAWAD environments.

          Advanced expertise in proactive cyber-defense, including threat intelligence, vulnerability management,                and the ability to lead incident response in a complex, multi-national IT environment.

• Industry-Specific Systems & Sector Knowledge: Familiarity with industry-specific systems relevant to utilities, environmental services, or similar sectors

• Emerging Technologies & AI Enterprise Scaling: Understanding of emerging technologies (AI, IoT, automation) and their business applications, with a distinct track record of moving AI solutions from pilot phases to fully operationalized enterprise scale.

Skills

• Communication: Fluent English.

          Exceptional stakeholder management and communication abilities

• Executive Influence & Change Leadership: Proven ability to influence and collaborate with C-suite executives and business leaders

          Strong change management and organisational development capabilities

• Talent leadership: Demonstrated ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent

• Strategic Thinking & Commercial Acumen: Strategic thinking with strong business acumen and commercial awareness

• Innovation & Operational Stability: Ability to balance innovation with operational stability and risk management

• Regional Leadership & Group Collaboration: Capability to work collaboratively with Group functions whilst driving regional initiatives

Additional Information

Remuneration packages will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Interested parties please apply with full curriculum vitae with Current & Expected Salary and Available Date.

Veolia China Holding Limited is committed to conducting recruitment in a fair, ethical and transparent manner based solely on merit. Candidates with personal/professional ties to Veolia business related company employees must disclose this information.

As an inclusive company, Veolia is committed to diversity and gives equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.

Veolia China Holding Limited is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all qualified candidates. The information provided will be treated in strict confidence and be used only for consideration of your application for relevant / similar posts within the Veolia Group. All personal data of unsuccessful applicants will be destroyed within 24 months from the date of application.