Daniel Oestmann
Head of Global IT
JOST World
Following studies of Computer Science and Business Administration at the Nordakademie in Elmshorn, Germany, Daniel Oestmann started his career in the application consulting field for the Draeger Group in Luebeck, Germany, followed by a position at Capgemini Germany focusing on management accounts and cost accounting in the manufacturing / automotive / high-tech industry. After, he joined the KAEFER group, holding various positions in controlling, process management and IT, before taking on the role of CIO for KAEFER for six years. Today, he is the Head of Global IT for JOST World.
A fun fact about Daniel, he drove cattle on the plains of Wyoming, and found it to be a very enjoyable past-time that clears the head much quicker than any other type of sport.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
While I started my career in IT, I spent a lot of time working in the Finance industry, developing a good understanding of management accounting and how operational business is steered. Nevertheless, IT has always been a part of my work and when I got the chance to manage both a corporate process management and IT organization, I took up the challenge and do not regret that decision. The variety of challenges in IT, the constant change and the interaction will all parts of the business organizations ensure that this job is never boring.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Leadership has to be based on trust, allowing everyone to take responsibility and openly talk about mistakes and failures.
What is the greatest challenge you are facing today, and how are you addressing it?
While IT has become an integral part of our business operations, it is still seen as a necessity, not a value driver. Building the right understanding of the value of IT to ensure priorities are set correctly is the biggest challenge.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CIO?
Build relationships with your key stakeholders and make sure to know what challenges they are facing and what their expectations are. Be ready to learn from mistakes along the way.
How do you measure success as a leader?
Based on how much my team enjoys their work and is successful at the same time.
What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?
The communities provide me with regular exchange with peers in a confidential yet open manner.
Gartner C-level Communities Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.
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