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CIO &  Transformation

Operating Model IT – Transformational CIO & IT Director  Richard Keenlyside

Operating Model IT CIO - IT Strategy - IT Transformation

Richard Keenlyside provides deep experience in operating model it design, implementation and delivery across global organisations. As a CIO and IT Transformation Director, I align technology, teams, and processes to create scalable, resilient operating model it frameworks that support business growth and digital transformation.

What is an IT Operating Model​

An operating model it defines how technology capabilities are organised and operated to deliver business value. It encompasses:

  • Strategy alignment – Connecting IT strategy with business goals.

  • Governance & structure – Defining decision-making, accountability, and architecture.

  • Processes & delivery – Embedding best practice in ITIL, Agile and DevOps.

  • Organisations & roles – Embedding roles, skillsets, and centres of excellence.

  • Technology & tooling – Leveraging cloud, automation, and modern platforms.

Why Prioritise an Operating Model IT?

  1. Business-IT alignment – Ensures IT investments fuel strategic outcomes.

  2. Scalability & agility – Creates modular, resilient IT operating models.

  3. Cost optimisation – Reduces duplication, improves governance across the operating model it layers.

  4. Delivery excellence – Drives operational efficiency and improved service levels.

My Experience in Operating Model IT

  • Led global operating model it redesign for a £1bn+ FTSE 100 business, improving time-to-market by 40% and reducing IT costs by 25%.

  • Designed end-to-end IT operating model it blueprint for a large government transformation programme, embedding DevOps, automation and agile governance.

  • Established IT operating model it governance, target operating twin model, and delivery structures for a multinational manufacturing-chains enterprise.

How I Deliver Operating Model IT Transformation

  1. Assess – Review existing operating model it, processes, tools and capabilities.

  2. Define – Co-design vision and future-state operating model it structure (organisation, delivery model, governance).

  3. Pilot – Run initial releases and proof-of-concept, iterating on delivery model based on feedback.

  4. Deploy – Roll-out full operating model it, including training, governance and P&L accountability.

  5. Optimise – Monitor KPIs, conduct continual improvement cycles and update model for emerging digital needs.

Key Focus Areas

  • Operating Model IT Strategy & Vision

  • IT Organisation Design & Capability Building

  • End-to-End IT Service Delivery

  • Governance, Risk & Compliance

  • Cloud, Automation & DevOps Enablement

  • Business & IT Change Leadership

Why Work With Me

  • 25+ years as a CIO / Director of IT and Transformation

  • Proven track record of delivering scalable operating models it frameworks

  • Global experience across Finance, Govt, Manufacturing and Retail

  • Expert in Agile/DevOps, Cloud, Operating Model, Governance, and IT Strategy

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