Suggestions
Chris Waddington
Senior Manager Technology Strategy and Architecture at Scentre Group (Owner and Operator of Westfield in Aus and NZ)
Professional Background
Chris Waddington is a seasoned IT and technology innovation professional with an impressive 20 years of experience in various roles spanning engineering, operations, consulting, architecture, and leadership. With a deep focus on technology strategy and delivery leadership, Waddington has made significant contributions to numerous organizations, particularly in enhancing their technology infrastructures to meet business objectives.
Chris has spent the last several years at Scentre Group, which is renowned for owning and operating Westfield shopping centers across Australia and New Zealand. In his role as Senior Manager Technology Strategy and Architecture, he has been pivotal in shaping the technology vision and strategic direction of the company. His previous positions there included Senior Manager Technology & Cyber Security Architecture, Senior Manager Architecture and Emerging Technology, and Enterprise Architect, where he successfully navigated the complexities of architectural frameworks while aligning technology initiatives with business goals.
Before joining Scentre Group, Chris further honed his expertise at Dimension Data, where he ascended through various roles, including Enterprise Architect, Solutions Architect, Senior Technical Consultant, and Senior Systems Engineer. His years at Dimension Data provided him with rich experience in developing and implementing cutting-edge technology solutions, ensuring operational excellence, and maintaining high-performance delivery teams. Prior to that, he was Systems Management Team Leader at Getronics, a role that showcased his ability to lead and manage teams in a fast-paced environment.
Education and Achievements
Chris Waddington laid a solid educational foundation for his extensive career by studying for a Higher National Diploma in Digital Printing and Publishing at the London Institute. This educational background, coupled with his continuous drive for learning and adapting to new technologies, has proven invaluable in his professional journey.
Throughout his career, Chris has become adept at building business-aligned technology visions that respond effectively to industry disruptions. His strategic capabilities extend to defining and delivering comprehensive technology strategies and roadmaps, ensuring that these align seamlessly with the overarching business objectives. Notably, Chris is recognized for helping organizations unlock the significant business benefits of cloud computing, thus enabling them to leverage new technologies for superior operational effectiveness.
In addition to his technical capabilities, Chris is a leader who believes in fostering strong, trust-based relationships with both customers and senior stakeholders. His dedication to transforming teams through strong personal values and corporate advocacy has played a critical role in his success. He frequently presents to Investment Boards and delivers insightful reports to Executive-led Governance Committees, ensuring that strategic initiatives remain aligned with business aspirations.
Notable Achievements
Chris's journey through various IT and technology innovation roles has equipped him with a broad and versatile skill set. His track record includes:
- Large-scale Transformations: Chris has demonstrated meticulous planning and execution skills in managing large cross-functional, multi-stream delivery programs, particularly during periods of significant organizational change such as mergers and demergers.
- High-performance Delivery Teams: He has established and sustained high-performance delivery teams, leveraging a profound understanding of both agile and waterfall delivery techniques.
- Strategic Vision and Alignment: Chris has successfully crafted technology strategies that not only respond to current industry disruptions but also anticipate future trends, thus positioning organizations ahead of their competitors.
- Transformation through Values: His ability to transform teams and organizations through strong personal values and a commitment to corporate advocacy has earned him respect throughout his career.
In conclusion, Chris Waddington stands out as a leader in IT and technology innovation with a career characterized by strong strategic vision, exceptional delivery leadership, and a commitment to fostering relationships built on trust. His extensive experience and forward-thinking approach continue to benefit the organizations he serves, making him an influential figure in the technology landscape of Australia and New Zealand.
