People are the Differentiating Factor

Rob Visser is the CIO of Nationale Nederlanden (NN) Group and was named CIO of the Year in 2022. He leads the global strategic technology initiatives for the insurance firm and emphasizes the crucial role of technology and craftsmanship in successful digital transformations. This allows the financial services provider, active in 11 countries, to prioritize the well-being of tens of millions of customers, resulting in tangible business value.

The NN-CIO combines intrinsic motivation, experience, and a strong sense of responsibility with extensive knowledge of IT. This unique mix enables him to navigate seamlessly through all levels of the organization – and also across all six of the designated sub-themes of CIODAY2024. His track record boasts successful global transformation programs, sourcing initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, and a dedication to customer satisfaction.

Constructively Critical
With a focus on human talent and skills, Rob Visser is constructively critical toward fellow technology leaders. “In this field, we often have a tendency to consider ourselves or the technology we’re responsible for as overly important. But neither we nor the technology we employ are differentiating factors; it’s the people within the various teams who ultimately make it all possible. A good CIO is, above all, a chief people officer.”

According to the NN Group CIO, this talent development works both upwards and downwards. For example, he convinced his board to participate in a prestigious technology training program in the United States. “As a result, the entire board became tech-savvy at once,” he says with a smile. “IT is therefore no longer just seen as an enabler but as a strategic priority.”

As mentioned, the CIO of NN Group and CIO of the Year 2020 is convinced that exceptional individuals within the organization and (agile/devops) teams deliver outstanding results. “To help achieve this, I strengthen diversity and try to empower employees wherever possible.”