In his global CTO role since 2002, Vittorio is responsible for the corporation’s IT infrastructure strategy and operations, including the delivery of infrastructure services to more than 60000 users. The global infrastructure division includes more than 380 employees and contractors based in 7 hub locations around the world. The division provides 24X7 operations in “follow-the-sun” mode, as well as technology development services and innovation projects. Under Vittorio’s initiative, Mars IS has standardized and consolidated infrastructure components, reducing costs while increasing reliability and throughput. Infrastructure capabilities are provided to business units in the form of a “service catalog” with specific service levels and price points. He also created Web Competence Center delivering solutions for digital marketing and deploying social platforms in the enterprise.
Vittorio is currently leading a major program to transform infrastructure service platforms at Mars Inc., including new Microsoft cloud-based communication and collaboration services, the move to a single managed service for network and telephony with British Telecom, and the upgrade of the standard PC environment. The program delivered in 2010 the consolidation of two global data centers, the extension of the Mars centralized service desk to 15000 additional users and their migration to Microsoft BPOS.
In addition to his CTO responsibilities, Vittorio was CIO of the Wrigley segment in 2009-2010, following the acquisition from Mars in 2008. In this role, Vittorio led the change program which resulted into the integration of the former Wrigley IT resources into Mars IS, as well as unification and consolidation of IT services.
Vittorio joined Mars IS in 1991 as a project manager for market and sales systems. His previous assignments include the direction of the ATLAS ERP program, where he conceived and led the global rollout of SAP R/3 in one consolidated instance.
Vittorio has over 24 years experience in Information Technology. Prior to joining Mars IS, he worked at IBM, Alcatel and served as missile engineer in the Army. He holds a degree in Computer Sciences and is fluent in English, French, Spanish, German and Italian. Vittorio and his wife Laura moved to the US in February 2005 and live in Morristown, NJ with their 4-year old daughter Sara. When not travelling to visit units and sites around the world, Vittorio’s main working location is the Mars IS office in Mt. Olive, NJ.
Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, CNO Financial Group, Inc.
Todd Coombes joined CNO in 2005 and is currently serving as SVP and CIO. Before joining CNO, Coombes was CEO of Health Care Systems Corporation, a software development firm providing SaaS based solutions in the healthcare industry. Prior to HCS, Mr. Coombes was an executive at IBM Corporation in charge of advanced technology for global insurance services. Before IBM, Coombes was CIO and partner at Professional Data Management, an Indianapolis based software vendor. Prior to that, Coombes was Director of Software for R.E. Nolan Management Consultants.
In addition to his corporate experience, Coombes has created and launched successful startup businesses in multiple industries including construction, automotive, entertainment, agriculture, communications and technology. He has also consulted on technology-related product strategies and economic development projects in private industry and in government.
Servings as an adjunct MBA professor for Anderson University, Coombes also serves on the Board of Directors for the Entrepreneurship Advancement Center, a non-profit economic development organization in Hamilton County, Indiana.
Coombes is a Fellow of the Life Management Institute (FLMI – with distinction) and holds the designation of Certified Computing Professional (CCP) from the Institute for the Certification of Computer Professionals.
Title: Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, CNO Financial Group, Inc.
Steven R. Hanna is Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Kennametal Inc. In this role, he is responsible for Kennametal¿s Information Technology function worldwide. Prior to joining Kennametal, Mr. Hanna served as Corporate Information Officer for General Motors Corporation, where he was responsible for technology strategy development and deployment for the world¿s largest automotive company. Prior to this role, Mr. Hanna served as Executive Director of Product Development and Services for the Supply Chain Group at General Motors as well as CIO for the GM Truck Group. Previously, he held the position of Executive Vice President, CIO of Ross Roy Communications. In addition, Mr. Hanna served in various management roles with Marriott Corporation including Vice President, CIO Host Marriott. Mr. Hanna has more than 30 years of experience in various aspects of information technology in a variety of industries.
Title: VP and Chief Information Officer, Kennametal
A Bean Counter prides him/herself on efficiency and predictability. He/she expends steady but sure progress at reaching goals. An Investor takes calculated risks. Risk of failure comes with the possibility of job lost, but success could pay off well beyond expectations. The two mindsets seem mutually exclusive. Are they? Which mindset would work best for a CIO, and under what circumstances?
Over 40 years I have found that the CIO frequently becomes the person he/she is expected to be, rarely what they are capable of being. With the correct CEO support and expectations, the CIO is as capable of being a business person as any other officer.
Many CIO's leverage far larger capital and expense budgets than many other officers.
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Over 40 years I have found that the CIO frequently becomes the person he/she is expected to be, rarely what they are capable of being. With the correct CEO support and expectations, the CIO is as capable of being a business person as any other officer.
Many CIO's leverage far larger capital and expense budgets than many other officers.