CIO50 Australia 2024: Rosalie Adriano, Nestlé

Name: Rosalie Adriano
Title: Head of IT, Oceania
Company: Nestlé
Commenced role: April 2022
Reporting line: Chief Financial Officer
Member of the executive team: Indirect line to executive team
Technology Function: 25 staff / 10 direct reports
 
Under Rosalie Adriano’s leadership, the IT team successfully implemented NesGPT across Nestlé Oceania. The introduction of GenAI and NesGPT, Nestlé’s internal AI conversational solution, has been a transformative innovation within our organisation. NesGPT leverages the same technology as the popular ChatGPT, offering a tailored, private, safe, and compliant alternative for our employees.
 
“The adoption of NesGPT has fostered a culture of growth mindset, and innovation where employees can experiment and refine their understanding of AI technologies,” says Adriano.
 
This has helped to increase productivity, provided a safe space for learning, and encouraged the organisation to take confident steps towards embracing generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).
 
NesGPT has been instrumental in boosting employee productivity and efficiency. By automating tasks such as writing meeting minutes, analysing documents, and crafting emails.
 
“The productivity gains from NesGPT have been notable as it has freed up valuable time for our employees, allowing them to focus on more strategic and creative tasks,” she says. “The tool has been used to customise and adapt eContent for our eRetailers, generating product titles, descriptions, and images.”
 
Adriano’s leadership has been pivotal for the implementation of NesGPT across the organisation. The success of NesGPT in Nestlé Oceania is a testament to her vision, and the IT function who have embraced the challenges and opportunities presented by GenAI.
 
“It has delivered real value by changing the way we operate, making our processes more efficient, and fostering a culture that is agile, innovative, and receptive to the potential of GenAI,” she says.
 
Influencing peers
 
As Head of IT, Adriano is placed at the forefront of digital transformation at Nestlé Oceania.
 
Under her leadership, her team has made significant strides in IT digital innovation for the organisation.
 
However, the implementation of innovative technology at Nestlé requires Adriano to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, driving forward-thinking initiatives that resonate with the strategic goals of the company.
 
To make sure these initiatives have stakeholder support, Adriano significantly influenced her peers, including C-level executives, board members, and executives across various divisions of the organisation.
 
In 2023, she led the creation of Nestlé Oceania’s Digital Vision to “transform with consumer-centric data-driven ecosystem, integrating internal and external digital assets for growth”.
 
Adriano represents IT in the Nestlé Oceania Compliance Committee (OCC), whose primary purpose is to assist management in fulfilling its responsibility to oversee the company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as Nestlé Oceania’s internal standards.
 
“The OCC is a cross-functional team that meets three times per year to discuss compliance issues including reporting on significant compliance matters (issues, initiatives, monitoring activities and trends) and decide on actions to improve compliance within Nestlé,” she says.
 
These contributions are a clear reflection of her ability to inspire, innovate, and integrate technological solutions that propel the organisation forward in the digital age.
 
 
Leading by example
 
Adriano’s influence extends beyond her immediate team to the broader IT community within the organisation. Her contributions to the organisation in creating an inclusive culture highlights her commitment to breaking down silos and fostering an environment of openness and sharing.
 
She leads by example by demonstrating respect and valuing the diverse perspectives of her team members, regardless of their seniority or background. This inclusive leadership style has not only enhanced team dynamics but also optimised business value and user experience.
 
Her influence within Nestlé Oceania is further magnified by her ability to inspire and mentor emerging leaders within the organisation.
 
Her commitment to nurturing talent and encouraging professional development has created a ripple effect, empowering individuals to excel in their respective roles and contribute to the overarching vision of the company.
 
Adriano’s initiatives in promoting digital literacy and fostering a culture of continuous improvement have been instrumental in positioning Nestlé Oceania as a leader in digital innovation.
 
“My approach is multifaceted, focusing on creating an environment where diversity is celebrated, and every individual feels valued and empowered,” she says.
 
 
Empowering through mentorship
 
Adriano understands that a thriving team is one where each member has the opportunity to grow professionally. To this end, she has implemented mentorship programs that pair less experienced team members with seasoned professionals.
 
“This initiative not only facilitates knowledge transfer but also provides a platform for mentees to gain confidence and develop leadership skills,” she says.
 
By investing in the professional development of her team, Adriano ensures that everyone has the tools and support they need to excel in their roles.
 
Importantly Adriano promotes digital literacy within her team, encouraging them to embrace new technologies and methodologies.
 
“This commitment to continuous improvement not only enhances the team’s capabilities but also ensures that they are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the digital age,” she says.
 
Inclusivity of team members
 
Integral to her leadership style is inclusivity, valuing the input and perspectives of all team members, regardless of their seniority or background.
 
Adriano promotes a culture of collaboration, where ideas are freely shared, and innovation is encouraged.
 
“This approach breaks down silos and creates a sense of unity and purpose, driving the team to work together towards common goals,” she says.