CIO50 Australia 2024: Hani Arab, Seymour White

Name: Hani Arab
Title: Chief Information Officer
Company: Seymour Whyte
Commenced role:  July 2023
Reporting line: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 
Member of the executive team: Yes
Technology Function: 18 employees, with 5 direct reports
 
In an industry evolving to meet modern demands, Seymour Whyte has embraced significant growth and is navigating a transformative digital journey. Recognising the value of technology as a strategic enabler, Hani Arab joined the company in 2023 as 娇色导航with a mandate to enhance its technological capabilities and drive IT’s role as a core partner in business operations.
 
“The Seymour Whyte Application Platform (SWAP) has redefined our operations, resulting in substantial improvements in efficiency, safety, and user experience through a unified digital approach,” Arab says.
 
SWAP emerged from a strategic review of the company’s enterprise architecture, which identified opportunities for modernisation. Prior systems were effective for their time, yet the transition to SWAP represents the organisation’s commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements.
 
To support this shift, Arab harnessed ServiceNow’s low-code AppEngine to rapidly develop and deploy applications that meet our specific business needs. “By leveraging our partnership with ServiceNow, we were able to efficiently create tailored solutions and lay a foundation for ongoing digital transformation,” explains Arab.
 
The agile methodology introduced by SWAP allowed Seymour Whyte to implement weekly sprints, facilitating immediate feedback and fostering a strong collaborative environment between ICT and operational teams.
 
SWAP now serves as a robust platform that has not only unified systems but also positioned Seymour Whyte as a leader in digital innovation within the construction sector. “By strategically implementing modern technology and promoting a culture of collaboration, we are meeting our operational objectives and setting new industry standards,” says Arab.
 
Securing leadership endorsement was crucial to the platform’s success. Arab demonstrated SWAP’s value through pilot projects, which led to full-scale adoption and an enhancement of platform capabilities. “Our initial success has generated strong support, empowering our team with resources to expand our digital offerings,” says.

A core achievement of this transformation has been the cultural shift towards partnership and innovation. By engaging operational stakeholders, Seymour Whyte has broken down silos, positioning ICT as a proactive enabler that aligns with business goals.
 
“My leadership approach combines addressing immediate business needs with a vision for long-term innovation,” says Arab. He emphasises cross-functional collaboration and continuous engagement, ensuring technology solutions directly contribute to our strategic priorities.