Sage PLC · 2006 - 2010
48% lower tech OPEX, 100% of people kept
As CIO for Sage's Southern Hemisphere business, I rationalized a fragmented application and vendor landscape, modernized infrastructure, and cut operating spend nearly in half, with 100% headcount retention.
48%
technology OPEX reduction
01
The context
Sage's Southern Hemisphere technology estate had become fragmented: a fragmented regional software ecosystem, redundant platforms, legacy architectures, and a long tail of supplier contracts. I held full P&L and operational accountability for technology strategy, infrastructure modernization, and digital transformation, directing a $42M budget.
I set one constraint at the start: we would take cost out of the technology, not out of the team.
02
The challenge
Remove duplication across a fragmented application portfolio without disrupting software delivery to customers.
Renegotiate a Tier-1 vendor base and hold suppliers to measurable performance.
Modernize data centers and networks while improving uptime and security.
Bridge global IT compliance requirements, including PCI DSS, with local operating needs.
03
My role
I led the strategy and its execution as CIO, partnering with regional and global executive leadership.
04
How I approached it
Audit and consolidate the portfolio
I audited the regional application landscape, eliminated redundant platforms, and migrated legacy architectures to standardized corporate frameworks.
Overhaul the vendor ecosystem
I renegotiated Tier-1 vendor contracts and consolidated the supplier network under strict, performance-linked SLAs.
Modernize the infrastructure
I led the modernization of regional data centers and network infrastructure, increasing system uptime and strengthening data security.
Govern and report
I established regional IT governance and reporting that gave executives real-time visibility into technology spend, project status, and risk, and strengthened disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
Keep the people
Because retention was a design constraint, capacity freed up by rationalization was redirected to modernization and higher-value work instead of being cut.
05
What changed
48% lower technology OPEX
Delivered over a multi-year period.
100% headcount retention
Savings came from platforms and suppliers, not people.
Higher uptime, stronger security
Modernized data centers and networks across Southern Hemisphere offices.
Global and local alignment
Global IT compliance, including PCI DSS, bridged with local market needs for frictionless software delivery.
06
What I carry forward
Cut complexity, not capability.
The biggest savings sit in duplication and contracts nobody has questioned in years.
Make vendors earn it.
Performance-linked SLAs change the conversation from price to value.