"Αdapt to the clients’ needs and the ever changing digital landscape, and aim for long-term relationships. We believe that producing and demonstrating results is the best way to build trust with any client. "
Please describe your role at KPMG in Cyprus and the kind of work you do.
Kyriaki Pilia
As the leader of the Data Management, Data Analytics, Advanced Analytics, and Data Engineering teams, my role encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities aimed at optimising data utilisation and fostering data-driven decision-making within our organisation and for our clients. I am tasked with developing and executing data management strategies that align with clients' business objectives, ensuring the integrity, security, and compliance of their data assets. This involves establishing robust data governance frameworks and implementing data quality standards. Additionally, I oversee the design and implementation of scalable data architectures, including data warehouses, data lakes, and integration solutions, to facilitate seamless data flow across various sources and systems. I am responsible for managing data profiling and cleansing activities to maintain high data quality standards, as well as implementing Master Data Management processes for consistent and accurate master data. Leading the Data Analytics teams, I enable the development of advanced analytics solutions, predictive models, and data visualisations to drive insights and support decision-making. Staying abreast of big data and cloud technologies, I advise clients on adopting suitable platforms and tools to manage and analyse large volumes of data effectively. As a trusted advisor, I understand clients' unique data management challenges and tailor solutions accordingly, fostering strong client relationships and identifying opportunities for business growth. Finally, I actively contribute to thought leadership initiatives, sharing insights and best practices in data management and driving innovation to enhance client solutions.
George Constantinou
I lead a team of Product Managers, Business Analysts, Developers and QA specialists. Our team’s goal is to guide clients through their Digital Transformation journey, always with a focus on high quality deliverables and a mind on efficiency and automation, to achieve our clients’ long term strategic goals, in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
My team and I engage clients of varying sizes, from both the private and public sector. However, our approach is always the same: adapt to the clients’ needs and the ever-changing digital landscape, and aim for long-term relationships. By focusing on cumulative wins for our clients during our collaboration and by ensuring our approach is data driven, we not only provide practical benefits to them during our engagement, but we can also demonstrate such benefits. We believe that producing and demonstrating results is the best way to build trust with any client. Once trust is established, the collaboration becomes not only easier, but also much more efficient and therefore our clients’ long-term goals are achieved faster.
The scope of my team’s work spans from helping our clients identify strategic goals, establish a workable plan that includes both short- and long-term deliverables, as well as develop software deliverables or manage the delivery process itself.
Change is constant, how does KPMG in Cyprus work with clients to manage transformation while their business never stops?
Kyriaki Pilia
We understand that change is constant, and in today's rapidly evolving business landscape, managing transformation while ensuring uninterrupted operations is paramount. Our approach revolves around proactive collaboration and strategic planning, ensuring that our clients are equipped to navigate change seamlessly.
We work closely with our clients to develop tailored solutions that align with their unique business objectives and challenges. Together, we identify strategic goals and prioritise them, providing a clear time plan for achieving success. By setting short and mid-term milestones, we help our clients maintain focus and momentum towards their long-term objectives.
George Constantinou
Leveraging our expertise in digital transformation and IT services, we enable organisations to be proactive rather than reactive, allowing them to stay agile and functional throughout their transformation journey. Regular measurement of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) ensures that progress is tracked, and success is demonstrated.
With KPMG in Cyprus as their trusted partner, our clients can confidently navigate the complexities of transformation, knowing that we are dedicated in helping them achieve their goals while their business never stops.
Companies undergoing large scale business transformation are often focused on the technology and process changes, are there other areas they should be mindful of to create or preserve value in their organisation during change?
George Constantinou
In the midst of large-scale business transformation, it's understandable that companies often prioritise technology and process changes. However, it's crucial for organisations to broaden their focus beyond these areas to create and preserve value effectively during their transformation journey.
One key aspect that should not be overlooked is the human element. Employee engagement, skill development, and change management are integral to the success of any transformation initiative. Ensuring that employees are informed, supported, and empowered to adapt to new ways of working can significantly enhance organisational resilience and performance.
Furthermore, attention should be given to organisational culture and alignment. Establishing a clear vision, fostering collaboration, and cultivating a culture of innovation can help drive change initiatives forward and sustain momentum over the long-term.
Kyriaki Pilia
Additionally, maintaining a strong focus on customer experience is paramount. While internal processes and systems may undergo transformation, it's essential to keep customer needs and preferences at the forefront. Organisations should continuously seek feedback, monitor satisfaction levels, and adapt their strategies to deliver exceptional value to their customers throughout the transformation journey.
Lastly, effective governance and risk management are critical considerations. Establishing robust governance structures, monitoring key performance indicators, and proactively addressing potential risks and challenges can safeguard the organisation's interests and ensure that value creation objectives are met.
By taking a holistic approach that encompasses people, customers, culture, governance, and risk management, companies can maximise the value generated by their transformation efforts and position themselves for long-term success.
What makes a transformation effort successful in your view?
A successful transformation effort hinges on several key factors that collectively drive organisational change and value creation. In our view at KPMG in Cyprus, these factors include:
Kyriaki Pilia
Clear Vision and Strategy: A well-defined vision and strategy provide a roadmap for transformation, outlining the desired outcomes and guiding the organisation's efforts.
Strong Leadership and Governance: Effective leadership and governance structures ensure accountability, alignment, and commitment across the organisation. Leaders play a crucial role in championing change, fostering a culture of innovation, and empowering teams to execute the transformation agenda.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging data and analytics to inform decision-making processes enables organisations to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks, guiding strategic priorities and resource allocation.
Collaboration and Partnerships: Successful transformation efforts often require collaboration and partnerships with external stakeholders, including suppliers, industry peers, and ecosystem partners. By leveraging external expertise and resources, organisations can accelerate innovation and achieve shared objectives more effectively.
George Constantinou
Engaged and Empowered Employees: Transformation efforts are only successful when employees are engaged, motivated, and equipped with the necessary skills and resources to adapt to new ways of working. Investing in employee development, communication, and change management initiatives is essential for driving sustainable change.
Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritising customer needs and preferences throughout the transformation journey is critical for delivering value and maintaining competitive advantage. Organisations must continuously assess and adapt their strategies to meet evolving customer expectations.
Agility and Adaptability: In today's rapidly evolving business environment, agility and adaptability are key drivers of success. Organisations must be able to respond quickly to changes in market dynamics, technology advancements, and competitive pressures to stay ahead of the curve.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of continuous improvement and innovation. Organisations must foster a culture of experimentation, learning, and adaptation to remain agile and resilient in the face of change.
By embracing these principles and practices, organisations can increase the likelihood of success in their transformation efforts, driving sustainable growth, competitive advantage, and value creation.
What is your advice to organisations that want to achieve their technology transformation but have limited resources?
For organisations with limited resources but a strong desire to achieve technology transformation, strategic planning and resource optimisation are key. Here are some pieces of advice:
George Constantinou
Incremental Approach: Break down transformation initiatives into smaller, manageable phases or iterations. This allows the organisation to make progress incrementally and allocate resources more effectively, reducing the risk of overwhelming their limited resources.
Focus on Innovation: Emphasise on innovation and creativity in the organisation's approach to technology transformation. Encourage cross-functional collaboration and idea generation within the organisation, to uncover new opportunities and solutions that can be implemented cost-effectively.
Invest in Talent Development: Invest in training and development programs to upskill the existing workforce and equip them with the knowledge and expertise needed to drive technology transformation initiatives internally. Building a skilled and empowered team can significantly enhance an organisation's ability to achieve its transformation goals with limited resources.
Kyriaki Pilia
Prioritise Initiatives: Start by identifying the most critical technology initiatives that align with the organisation's strategic objectives. Focus on projects that offer the highest potential for value creation and competitive advantage.
Maximise Existing Investments: Evaluate the organisation's current technology infrastructure and assets to identify opportunities for optimisation and reuse. By leveraging existing resources and capabilities, it is possible to minimise the need for additional investments and maximise the value derived from technology initiatives.
Strategic Partnerships: Consider forming strategic partnerships with technology vendors, service providers or other organisations that can complement the organisation's internal capabilities and resources. Collaborating with external partners can help fill gaps, accelerate implementation and reduce the burden on limited resources.
Measure and Adapt: Implement robust measurement and monitoring mechanisms to track the progress and impact of any technology transformation efforts. Use data and insights to continuously evaluate performance, identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about resource allocation. When the decisions are data-driven, there is reduced risk in waste of resources and effort.
By adopting a strategic and resource-conscious approach to technology transformation, organisations can overcome limitations and drive meaningful change that aligns with their long-term objectives.
By adopting a strategic and resource-conscious approach to technology transformation, organisations can overcome limitations and drive meaningful change that aligns with their long-term objectives.
