Gunter Van Craen - CDIO at Bekaert - Embracing Digital Transformation

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Poland 5-12-25 Invitation Only Physical Polish
Liderzy biznesowi pokładają ogromne nadzieje w agentach AI, widząc w nich szansę na zbudowanie przewagi konkurencyjnej. Rzadko jednak pada zasadnicze pytanie: czy cyfrowy fundament organizacji – dane, integracje, systemy – jest na to gotowy? Czy obecna strategia integracji wspiera ambicje biznesowe, czy je spowalnia? Podczas naszego biznesowego śniadania CIONET, organizowanego we współpracy z Digia (Finlandia) i Savangard, przyjrzymy się trendom, które dziś definiują architekturę i integracje w Europie i w Polsce. W gronie ok. 20 liderów IT porozmawiamy m.in. o tym: Czy strategia integracji danych i aplikacji powinna uwzględniać przyszłe zastosowania AI? Jak przekształcić kluczowe dane w powtarzalne „data products”, które przyspieszają dostarczanie wartości biznesowej? W jakim kierunku ewoluują platformy integracyjne – iPaaS i API Management? Cloudification - jakie lekcje wynoszą firmy, które przeszły takie transformacje z legacy do nowoczesnej integracji w chmurze? Jak zorganizować „integration core team”, który wzmacnia rozproszone i coraz bardziej niezależne zespoły technologiczne? Spotkanie odbędzie się w kameralnej atmosferze Centrum Praskiego Koneser (CHPTR) i będzie prowadzone w formule dyskusyjnej – z myślą o praktykach zajmujących się modernizacją architektury, integracją systemów i przygotowaniem IT na kolejne lata.
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Poland 8-12-25 Invitation Only Physical Polish
W wielu firmach monitoring wydaje się działać poprawnie, dopóki nie spojrzymy na to, czego nie widać: luki między narzędziami, brak wspólnego obrazu usług, opóźnienia między zdarzeniem a decyzją. W takiej sytuacji trudno wcześnie wykryć degradację, oszacować wpływ incydentów na klientów czy przewidzieć ryzyka, które uderzają w biznes, zanim IT zdąży zareagować. Podczas CIONET Executive Roundtable, którego partnerem jest Spluk, porozmawiamy o tym, ile organizacje tracą na rozproszonym monitoringu i jak wiele można zyskać, gdy staje się on spójnym systemem, a nie zbiorem narzędzi. Zastanowimy się, jak połączyć dane z aplikacji, infrastruktury i biznesu w jeden obraz, który realnie wspiera szybkość reakcji, stabilność usług i jakość decyzji.
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International 9-12-25 Public Virtual english
The CIONET Awards 2026: Part 1, the premier celebration of excellence in digital mission and leadership. During this event the spotlight falls on two of the most critical arenas in modern enterprise: Applications & Architecture and Data & AI. Prepare for a dynamic session where each nominee will present their groundbreaking achievements.
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Brazil 9-12-25 Country Members Physical portuguese
Cerimônia de Premiação CIONET BRASIL 2025.Reconheceremos as Empresas Líderes em Excelência Tecnológica em Projetos e os Líderes Digitais do Ano 2025.Quando?09 de Dezembro de 2025A partir das 18:30Onde?Sheraton São Paulo WTC HotelInscrições online: https://www.cionet.com/pt-br/events/pr%C3%AAmios-cionet-brasil-2025
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Netherlands 9-12-25 Invitation Only english
At this exclusive CIONET Executive Roundtable, hosted in partnership with It’s Value, we will explore how Technology Business Management (TBM) principles can help CIOs and IT leaders make data-driven financial decisions that drive measurable business value.
Read MoreNetherlands 9-12-25 Invitation Only Physical english
Digital transformation and ongoing economic uncertainty are intensifying the pressure on IT leaders to do more with less. In this environment, gaining precise control over IT costs—while continuing to deliver effective, efficient, and innovative technology operations—is more critical than ever. At this exclusive CIONET Executive Roundtable, hosted in partnership with It’s Value, we will explore how Technology Business Management (TBM) principles can help CIOs and IT leaders make data-driven financial decisions that drive measurable business value. Key Discussion Themes Turning data insights into smarter IT investment decisions Setting priorities for cost optimisation and maximising ROI Quantifying and communicating the business value of IT initiatives Evaluating the principles of FinOps and the implications of public, private, and hybrid cloud environments for cost management Embedding effective change management to drive adoption and alignment Achieving tangible business outcomes from AI initiatives while maintaining fiscal discipline The evening will also feature a fireside chat with Sunil Anand, Global Head of Technology Business Management at National Grid. Sunil will share practical lessons and key milestones, retracing the National Grid cost management journey. This dinner offers a unique opportunity to: Exchange experiences with peers facing similar challenges Gain insights from TBM experts and industry practitioners Reassess your own IT financial strategy in a relaxed, collegial setting Join us for an evening of insight, discussion, and connection—designed to help you strengthen IT’s role as a true business value driver.
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Belgium Dec 4, 2025 Invitation Only Physical english
CIONET is committed to highlighting and celebrating female role models in IT, Tech & Digital, creating a leadership programme that empowers and elevates women within the tech industry. This initiative is dedicated to showcasing the achievements and successes of leading women, fostering an environment where female role models are recognised, and their contributions can ignite progress and inspire the next generation of women in IT.
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International Dec 9, 2025 Public Virtual english
The CIONET Awards 2026: Part 1, the premier celebration of excellence in digital mission and leadership. During this event the spotlight falls on two of the most critical arenas in modern enterprise: Applications & Architecture and Data & AI. Prepare for a dynamic session where each nominee will present their groundbreaking achievements.
Read More
Netherlands Dec 9, 2025 Invitation Only Physical english
Digital transformation and ongoing economic uncertainty are intensifying the pressure on IT leaders to do more with less. In this environment, gaining precise control over IT costs—while continuing to deliver effective, efficient, and innovative technology operations—is more critical than ever. At this exclusive CIONET Executive Roundtable, hosted in partnership with It’s Value, we will explore how Technology Business Management (TBM) principles can help CIOs and IT leaders make data-driven financial decisions that drive measurable business value. Key Discussion Themes Turning data insights into smarter IT investment decisions Setting priorities for cost optimisation and maximising ROI Quantifying and communicating the business value of IT initiatives Evaluating the principles of FinOps and the implications of public, private, and hybrid cloud environments for cost management Embedding effective change management to drive adoption and alignment Achieving tangible business outcomes from AI initiatives while maintaining fiscal discipline The evening will also feature a fireside chat with Sunil Anand, Global Head of Technology Business Management at National Grid. Sunil will share practical lessons and key milestones, retracing the National Grid cost management journey. This dinner offers a unique opportunity to: Exchange experiences with peers facing similar challenges Gain insights from TBM experts and industry practitioners Reassess your own IT financial strategy in a relaxed, collegial setting Join us for an evening of insight, discussion, and connection—designed to help you strengthen IT’s role as a true business value driver.
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Italy Dec 10, 2025 Invitation Only Physical italian
Questa roundtable esclusiva offrirà a CIO, CISO e Leader di ITOps/Engineering un confronto diretto per individuare le migliori strategie di Innovazione che, attraverso l'observability, ottimizzino il Return of Investment.
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Belgium Dec 11, 2025 Country Members Physical english
Imagine being able to monitor, simulate, and optimise an entire city, factory, or supply chain in real time. Next-generation digital twins are making this vision a reality, transforming how we manage and understand complex systems. By creating dynamic virtual replicas of physical assets and processes, digital twins allow organisations to predict issues, optimize performance, and make data-driven decisions with unprecedented accuracy.This event will explore how digital twins are being used across industries to revolutionize the way we operate and maintain large-scale, intricate systems—whether it’s the infrastructure of a smart city, the efficiency of a factory floor, or the resilience of global supply chains.Examples of Digital Twins in Action:Smart Cities: Urban planners can use digital twins to simulate traffic flow, monitor energy usage, or predict the impact of weather events on infrastructure. This enables cities to optimize resources and improve the quality of life for their citizens.Factories of the Future: Manufacturing plants are leveraging digital twins to monitor equipment in real time, prevent downtime, and optimize production lines. With predictive analytics, factories can avoid costly breakdowns and improve overall efficiency.Supply Chain Management: Complex supply chains, spanning continents and industries, can be modeled as digital twins to track shipments, simulate disruptions, and optimize logistics. Businesses can reduce inefficiencies and respond faster to market demands.Key Themes:Real-Time Monitoring and Simulation: How digital twins provide real-time insights into complex systems, allowing for dynamic response and optimization.Predictive Power: Leveraging AI and data analytics, digital twins help organisations predict and mitigate issues before they happen, from equipment failures to supply chain bottlenecks.Scalability Across Ecosystems: Digital twins aren’t limited to individual assets—learn how they can be scaled across entire ecosystems like smart cities or global supply chains for maximum impact.Building Trust and Security: With digital twins handling critical infrastructure and sensitive data, what are the security and governance frameworks needed to ensure trust in these virtual systems?Why You Should Attend:Next-generation digital twins are no longer just a concept—they are revolutionizing industries by offering a new way to manage complexity. Whether you’re looking to optimize a city, factory, or supply chain, this event will provide practical insights into how digital twins can transform your organisation’s operations and drive future innovation.
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Netherlands Dec 11, 2025 Invitation Only Physical dutch
Navigating tommorrow's threatscape: Cybersecurity insights for digital leaders. Op 28 november in de 3D Makers Zone in Haarlem.
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Belgium Dec 4, 2025 Invitation Only Physical english
CIONET is committed to highlighting and celebrating female role models in IT, Tech & Digital, creating a leadership programme that empowers and elevates women within the tech industry. This initiative is dedicated to showcasing the achievements and successes of leading women, fostering an environment where female role models are recognised, and their contributions can ignite progress and inspire the next generation of women in IT.
Read More
International Dec 9, 2025 Public Virtual english
The CIONET Awards 2026: Part 1, the premier celebration of excellence in digital mission and leadership. During this event the spotlight falls on two of the most critical arenas in modern enterprise: Applications & Architecture and Data & AI. Prepare for a dynamic session where each nominee will present their groundbreaking achievements.
Read More
Netherlands Dec 9, 2025 Invitation Only Physical english
Digital transformation and ongoing economic uncertainty are intensifying the pressure on IT leaders to do more with less. In this environment, gaining precise control over IT costs—while continuing to deliver effective, efficient, and innovative technology operations—is more critical than ever. At this exclusive CIONET Executive Roundtable, hosted in partnership with It’s Value, we will explore how Technology Business Management (TBM) principles can help CIOs and IT leaders make data-driven financial decisions that drive measurable business value. Key Discussion Themes Turning data insights into smarter IT investment decisions Setting priorities for cost optimisation and maximising ROI Quantifying and communicating the business value of IT initiatives Evaluating the principles of FinOps and the implications of public, private, and hybrid cloud environments for cost management Embedding effective change management to drive adoption and alignment Achieving tangible business outcomes from AI initiatives while maintaining fiscal discipline The evening will also feature a fireside chat with Sunil Anand, Global Head of Technology Business Management at National Grid. Sunil will share practical lessons and key milestones, retracing the National Grid cost management journey. This dinner offers a unique opportunity to: Exchange experiences with peers facing similar challenges Gain insights from TBM experts and industry practitioners Reassess your own IT financial strategy in a relaxed, collegial setting Join us for an evening of insight, discussion, and connection—designed to help you strengthen IT’s role as a true business value driver.
Read More
Italy Dec 10, 2025 Invitation Only Physical italian
Questa roundtable esclusiva offrirà a CIO, CISO e Leader di ITOps/Engineering un confronto diretto per individuare le migliori strategie di Innovazione che, attraverso l'observability, ottimizzino il Return of Investment.
Read More
Belgium Dec 11, 2025 Country Members Physical english
Imagine being able to monitor, simulate, and optimise an entire city, factory, or supply chain in real time. Next-generation digital twins are making this vision a reality, transforming how we manage and understand complex systems. By creating dynamic virtual replicas of physical assets and processes, digital twins allow organisations to predict issues, optimize performance, and make data-driven decisions with unprecedented accuracy.This event will explore how digital twins are being used across industries to revolutionize the way we operate and maintain large-scale, intricate systems—whether it’s the infrastructure of a smart city, the efficiency of a factory floor, or the resilience of global supply chains.Examples of Digital Twins in Action:Smart Cities: Urban planners can use digital twins to simulate traffic flow, monitor energy usage, or predict the impact of weather events on infrastructure. This enables cities to optimize resources and improve the quality of life for their citizens.Factories of the Future: Manufacturing plants are leveraging digital twins to monitor equipment in real time, prevent downtime, and optimize production lines. With predictive analytics, factories can avoid costly breakdowns and improve overall efficiency.Supply Chain Management: Complex supply chains, spanning continents and industries, can be modeled as digital twins to track shipments, simulate disruptions, and optimize logistics. Businesses can reduce inefficiencies and respond faster to market demands.Key Themes:Real-Time Monitoring and Simulation: How digital twins provide real-time insights into complex systems, allowing for dynamic response and optimization.Predictive Power: Leveraging AI and data analytics, digital twins help organisations predict and mitigate issues before they happen, from equipment failures to supply chain bottlenecks.Scalability Across Ecosystems: Digital twins aren’t limited to individual assets—learn how they can be scaled across entire ecosystems like smart cities or global supply chains for maximum impact.Building Trust and Security: With digital twins handling critical infrastructure and sensitive data, what are the security and governance frameworks needed to ensure trust in these virtual systems?Why You Should Attend:Next-generation digital twins are no longer just a concept—they are revolutionizing industries by offering a new way to manage complexity. Whether you’re looking to optimize a city, factory, or supply chain, this event will provide practical insights into how digital twins can transform your organisation’s operations and drive future innovation.
Read More
Netherlands Dec 11, 2025 Invitation Only Physical dutch
Navigating tommorrow's threatscape: Cybersecurity insights for digital leaders. Op 28 november in de 3D Makers Zone in Haarlem.
Read MoreHelping Nationwide guard against changing security threats
Creating a security risk framework that makes banking safer.
Overview
Mobile and online banking are growing. Fast. But so are threats to IT and network security. With members using more digital services along with traditional channels, Nationwide wanted to take a fresh look at threat management and Operational resilience.
Looking for expertise, Nationwide’s IT Operations & Service Delivery team turned to us. Based on a long foundation of trust, and our solid track record, we joined forces. Together, we’re protecting Nationwide – now and in the future. Because keeping Nationwide’s members and their information assets secure is as important as ever.
In the world of retail banking, more people than ever are turning to mobile and online apps to manage their money. That gave Nationwide an opportunity to give customers more personalised services on the move. And now, with BT we continue to provide robust and secure services ”. - Daryl BrookesIT Ops & Service Delivery Director
The challenge
The security and protection of customer data is at the heart of Nationwide’s digital strategy. “With more of our services available digitally, it’s really crucial that we help members protect their data. For a while now at Nationwide, our executive board has had an intense focus on this area.”
It’s not only banks who are trying to tackle the threat landscape. The UK government is also trying to coordinate intelligence sharing in the industry. But on the front line, it’s banks that have the ultimate responsibility. The danger is real, and it’s changing and getting more intense all the time.
To cope with a shifting threat landscape, Nationwide needed an approach that wasn’t just rigorous. It had to be agile, too.
The solution
Nationwide awarded us a six‐year contract. It covers significant aspects of IT and network security, combining tried and tested methods with a new, dynamic way of working. Together, we discuss every security development – in the bank, the industry and worldwide – to see if it calls for a change in process. Nothing is too small.
Our service covers substantial aspect of Nationwide's security – from design and implementation to 24-hour proactive and reactive monitoring. We brought together products and services from lots of leading providers to make sure security's covered at every level.
The Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority are testing security controls and technologies together. As Nationwide’s security partner, we have to satisfy both our own quality criteria and industry standards – like ISO 20000 service management accreditation and PCI DSS conformance – while developing and maintaining comprehensive ITIL based services.
Nationwide and BT have a long relationship. A solid cultural fit and strong mutual trust mean the Nationwide executive board feels confident that we have the skills and resources needed. “We’re reassured by the deep expertise BT shows in securing its own global network and those of other large organisations and government agencies,” says Daryl.
The world’s largest building society teams up with BT to protect its assets from the threat landscape.
The result
For the first time, our operational teams are permanently based in Nationwide’s Enterprise Command Centre. Nationwide has focused its security strategy to deal with the changing nature of threats facing the retail banking industry, and IT organisations in general. And we’re supporting this, having created an environment that will stay ahead of today’s would‐be attackers – and be ready for whatever happens in the future.
Nationwide's security strategy and operational model is designed to grow and evolve rapidly. This allows it to be flexible and responsive in delivering more secure and better digital services to its customers.
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Embark on a culinary journey through the ever-evolving world of digital leadership with our third edition of the CIONET Cookbook: Recipes for Digital Success. Unveiling the intricate trilemma faced by today’s Master Chefs, our trailblazing European CIOs address a challenge at the nexus of customer interests, digital transformation strategies, and IT modernisation. Their secret? Synchronising the gearing between customer, business, and technology to create a frictionless movement through the digital landscape.
The CIONET Cookbook uses the analogy of a five-star restaurant to explain the importance of optimally integrated technology, with the CIO as Master Chef. In order to provide the best service to its customers, a top restaurant must have the right atmosphere, an inviting menu, a well-equipped kitchen, talented and committed front-of-house and kitchen staff and smooth-running processes that ensure an enjoyable experience for diners.
The role of the CIO has evolved from managing systems to shaping outcomes: growth, resilience, and competitive edge are now won or lost in the technology arena. Today ’ s CIOs must balance stability with innovation, control costs while attracting scarce talent, and modernise legacy infrastructure while adopting emerging technologies.
As AI transitions from a specialised tool to an all-pervasive force, understanding its profound implications for our human lives is no longer merely academic but an urgent imperative for social well-being and strategic preparedness.
Geopolitical tensions have dominated the headlines for over two years now. In this context, the cyber threat landscape is also evolving rapidly. The protection and security of critical infrastructure – both physical and digital – is becoming increasingly important.
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Head of IT Germany and Regional Office Lead Munich, Microsoft
IT Director, IT Thinker
Vice president IT & Compliance, VisionaryRCM (A Carlyle Grp Company)
CIONET’s mission is to help IT executives become more at ease and above all more successful in their jobs. So they can do more than just keep up with change but ultimately define it. CIONET opens up a whole new universe of opportunities in IT management.
With the largest membership of corporate digital leaders across Europe, Latin America, US and Australia, CIONET has the expertise and pioneering vision to solve or address any IT management challenge.
From our local and global events, from our publications and research to our executive education programmes, everything we do is aimed at making sure digital leaders maximise their potential.
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