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Les Ottolenghi
Chief Transformation and Commercial Officer at Lee Enterprises | Fortune 500 | CIO | CDO | CISO Digital Transformation, Cloud, Mobile, Cyber Security, Disruption/Innovation
Les Ottolenghi is a seasoned technology executive who recently joined Lee Enterprises as their Chief Transformation and Commercial Officer.12 Here's an overview of his background and new role:
Professional Experience
Les Ottolenghi brings over 25 years of leadership experience in large public corporations and high-growth technology startups.1 His expertise spans:
- Digital transformation
- Artificial intelligence
- E-commerce
- Modernizing digital infrastructure
- Data monetization
- Cybersecurity
Prior to joining Lee Enterprises, Ottolenghi held several high-profile positions:
- Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Technology Officer at Stride Inc.2
- Executive Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer at Caesars Entertainment Corp.2
- Global Chief Information Officer at Las Vegas Sands Corp.2
- Chief Information Officer at Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Inc.2
Role at Lee Enterprises
As Chief Transformation and Commercial Officer, Ottolenghi's responsibilities include:
- Modernizing Lee's IT infrastructure1
- Developing and directing accelerators for Lee's digital transformation strategy1
- Reporting to the Lee board of directors and audit committee on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence implications1
- Working with the CEO and CFO on shareholder outreach and investor relations1
Achievements and Recognition
Ottolenghi has received several accolades throughout his career:
- Recognized as Chief Information Officer of the year by CIO Magazine, Gartner Group, and Computerworld1
- Co-founded BlackFire, the world's largest public technology innovation center in Las Vegas1
- Served on artificial intelligence advisory boards at the University of California Berkeley and Massachusetts Institute of Technology1
- Founding member of Duke University's innovation and entrepreneurship program1
Education
- MBA in decision information analysis from Emory University's Goizueta School of Business (graduated magna cum laude as a Woodruff Scholar)1
- Bachelor's degree from Duke University1
Ottolenghi's appointment at Lee Enterprises is aimed at advancing and accelerating the company's digital growth and strengthening its market position in the rapidly evolving media landscape.1
Highlights
Leading Through Change: Essential Strategies for Effective Leadership
Leading through change is now an essential skill for effective leadership. Leaders who navigate uncertainty with confidence and resilience can guide their teams through turbulent times and emerge stronger. In my latest blog post, discover strategies to adapt and thrive in uncertain times.
🔍 Anticipating Change: Proactive Planning and Preparation
Influential leaders anticipate change by identifying potential challenges and opportunities. They monitor industry trends, gather stakeholder feedback, and plan scenarios. This proactive approach allows them to develop strategies and contingency plans to navigate uncertainty with confidence and agility.
🗣️ Communicating Effectively: Transparency, Clarity, and Empathy
Read more about these strategies and empower yourself and your team to adapt and thrive: Leading Through Uncertainty https://bit.ly/3xt9gX8
#Leadership #ChangeManagement #Adaptability #Resilience #Teamwork #LeadershipDevelopment
🚀 Mastering the IT Elevator Pitch: Scaling Business Impact 🚀
"You need to show you’re really trying to scale your business and grow. An IT leader needs to be a strategic partner to the C-suite," says Ottolenghi. How do you deliver a compelling IT elevator pitch? Consider these proven tactics:
Pitch like you're a startup: "Imagine if it took us six weeks to deliver an offer, and now we can do it in six minutes. That's a 50% profitability improvement."
When pitching IT projects, think like a startup seeking investment. Craft a headline that outlines what you need and the impact you'll deliver. Whether it's resources for a new system or enhancing cybersecurity, articulate the payoff clearly. This approach grabs attention and positions IT as a strategic driver of growth and innovation within your organization.
As IT leaders, our role extends beyond technology – we're catalysts for business transformation. Let's elevate our pitches to align IT initiatives with strategic business objectives and drive meaningful impact.
Read more on mastering IT elevator pitches: How IT Leaders Can Master Elevator Pitches https://red.ht/3VWSEPK
#ITLeadership #BusinessTransformation #Innovation #ElevatorPitch #StrategicPartner #TechLeadership
