CIO50 2023 #1 Nicholas Fourie, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare

Name: Nicholas Fourie|
Title: Vice President – ICT
Company: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
Commenced role : 2017
Reporting line: CEO
Member of the executive team: Yes
Technology function: 174 staff, six direct reports

Nicholas Fourie is the number one ranked 娇色导航in the CIO50 New Zealand list for 2023. In his role as the Vice President of ICT at Fisher & Paykel (F&P) Healthcare, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in driving transformative digital initiatives, significantly impacting the organisation’s operations.

Over the past two years, Fourie and his team have undertaken 38 large-scale strategic digital projects, aligning with the company’s sustainable growth strategy. Under his leadership, these initiatives have not only showcased innovation but have also delivered tangible business value to the global healthcare company, which is headquartered in Auckland.

One of the key achievements during this period was the modernisation of the European digital ecosystem, including the successful implementation of a new ERP solution. This multi-million-dollar overhaul was completed on time, within budget, and without any disruption to the business, according to Fourie. The initiative resulted in optimised business processes, improved stock management, enhanced demand planning, and increased traceability of raw materials and products in the European region.

Additionally, under Fourie’s direction, ICT enhanced product research and development through digital advancements. By migrating over 250,000 records into a digital solution and automating associated processes, the team reduced engineering cycles, minimised paper waste, accelerated time-to-market, and bolstered employee engagement. This initiative, according to Fourie, not only streamlined internal processes but also positioned F&P Healthcare as an industry leader in product innovation.

Furthermore, the team introduced innovative solutions in customer and sales education, creating a global transformation in how products and therapies are presented. The implementation of mobile apps, multilingual support, and expanded functionality resulted in a competitive advantage for the sales strategy globally.

In the realm of artificial intelligence, Fourie initiated a strategic team focused on the rapid experimentation and value extraction of AI technologies. One of the outcomes was the deployment of a generative AI assistant, utilised by approximately 600 employees daily. This initiative not only showcased F&P Healthcare’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements but also empowered employees with tools that enhanced their productivity and decision-making capabilities.

Fourie also led the establishment of a Digital Design/Content Centre of Excellence within ICT. By investing in talent and technology, the team developed engaging digital content, unifying ICT’s brand messaging across the business. This creative approach not only contributed to the organisation’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) increase but also fostered a stronger connection between the company and its stakeholders, says Fourie.

The unique aspect of these innovations, according to Fourie, lies in their collaborative nature, directly derived from partnerships between ICT and various business units. These initiatives were designed to align with F&P Healthcare’s long-term strategic intent, focusing on driving strategic objectives, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI, and ensuring operational excellence. These innovations have only optimised IT operating expenses but also led to growth in strategic investments in digital transformation over the past four years.

Fostering muscle memory for crisis scenarios

Fourie’s influence extends far beyond traditional IT boundaries. One of the initiatives reflecting his influence is the comprehensive leadership of incident, crisis, and business continuity management across the entire organisation. Acknowledging the importance of preparedness, he and his team championed the design and rehearsal of processes, ensuring the organisation’s readiness to handle major crises. Under his guidance, key leaders within ICT collaborated with counterparts in various business units to develop robust processes and systems, fostering ‘muscle memory’ for crisis scenarios.

What makes this initiative exceptional is its holistic approach. It transcends the conventional boundaries of IT, encompassing incident management, crisis management, and business continuity management across diverse business functions such as sales, manufacturing, and supply chain. Regular rehearsals and simulations have been conducted to validate the functionality of these processes, ensuring the organisation’s ability to make clear and targeted decisions during and after a debilitating crisis.

The true testament to the success of this initiative was witnessed when it was showcased to the organisation’s board. A mock event was orchestrated, demonstrating the end-to-end processes and systems utilised to manage incidents, crisis events, and business continuity. This immersive experience allowed board members and employees from various business units to interact directly, providing valuable insights and building confidence in F&P Healthcare’s ability to handle major events.

This initiative has positioned ICT as a trusted business advisor, allowing the team to influence decision-making processes at all levels of the organisation.

Focus on leadership development and continuous improvement

Fourie has been instrumental in fostering an inclusive workplace culture within ICT, promoting diversity of thought and embracing various perspectives. His approach emphasises the integration of technology and non-technology professionals, resulting in a 20% recruitment rate from within the business. By introducing individuals from diverse backgrounds such as manufacturing, distribution, group risk, finance, and product development, ICT has transformed into a team with business knowledge, capability, credibility, and influence across the organisation.

Furthermore, Fourie sponsored members of ICT for the Manaaki Leadership Programme (for people of Māori heritage), exemplifying his commitment to leadership development, resilience, and cultural connection. Through the program, participants engaged in meaningful projects, contributing to the awareness of well-being and mental health within F&P Healthcare. This initiative fosters an environment where individuals could connect with their cultural identity while contributing meaningfully to the organisation.

Additionally, continuous improvement initiatives have significantly enhanced collaboration, process optimisation, and camaraderie within ICT. By adopting LEAN methodologies and implementing regular cross-functional stand-up meetings, the team has completed over 109 improvement projects in the past 24 months. These initiatives have not only streamlined operations but have also enhanced team culture and employee engagement.

Fourie introduced the Quarterly CI Award, recognising outstanding achievements in process optimization and efficiency gains. This initiative has become a highlight for ICT, motivating team members to optimise their work processes actively. The team’s achievements are celebrated quarterly, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment among employees.