Michel GALAIS

CIO France | Driving business value through Data, AI & Digital transformation | CODIR Member

Brussels, Brussels Region, Belgium

About

Digital is not just a tool, it’s a lever for transformation, growth, and efficiency. With a proven track record of international, cross-industry experience, I bring a good blend of deep technology expertise and strategic foresight. I lead complex digital transformations by aligning people, processes, and platforms, nom accelerated by data and AI, to deliver sustainable business value in dynamic environments. What drives me: 🚀 Boosting performance by aligning digital strategy with business goals 🌐 Leading multicultural teams with purpose, positivity, and ambition 📈 Turning digital transformation into a growth engine for P&L and operational excellence 💬 Recognized for a strong commitment, a client-first mindset, and the ability to foster collaboration across international teams, even in complex or high-pressure environments. Having lived and worked in three countries, I’ve developed a global outlook and cultural sensitivity that help me adapt quickly and collaborate effectively across diverse environments. 📬 Let’s connect: [email protected]

Experience

  • CIO France at Heidelberg Materials France
    Feb 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 6 mos

    • Active member of the Country Board (CODIR), contributing to national strategic and financial decisions. • Lead and empower a team of 30 professionals, fostering a culture of high performance, engagement, and innovation. • Driving high-impact digital initiatives, including AI implementations, tailored for industrial operations. • Optimize IT service delivery across all plants and headquarters to ensure maximum operational reliability and business agility. • Full ownership of annual budget lifecycles up to €22M (OpEx/CapEx) with strong focus and results on fixed costs reduction About Heidelberg Materials France : • 2500 people in nearly 300 locations for more than €1.4 billion turn over About Heidelberg Materials Group : • Sustainable constructions materials - German DAX listed • Leading market positions in aggregates, cement, and ready-mixed concrete. • Activites in around 50 countries with 49,000 employees working at more than 3,000 production sites

  • Europe IT Manager at REYDEL AUTOMOTIVE
    Feb 2016 - Jan 2019 · 3 yrs

    • Lead an international IT team for Europe based plants and HQ (12 FTE, 5 countries: France, Morocco, Germany, Russia, Slovakia) • Drive the IT projects portfolio (>15 projects, >2M€ Capex) • Participate to the Visteon’s carve-out and Transition Service Agreement (applicative landscape redefinition, governance and organization set-up, sites cut over, new contracts, team building…) • Manage cost reduction program on corporate applications portfolio (-75% on application maintenance costs)

  • Information Systems Manager at AREVA Corporate
    Mar 2008 - Jan 2016 · 7 yrs 11 mos

    • Manage information systems for key functional domains (HR, purchasing, protection) • Drive the projects portfolio for related applications (>5 M€ Capex, >4 M€ Opex, > 50 applications) • Assist Business stakeholders from strategic stakes analysis, end-to-end pre-studies to governance and project execution • Coordinate internal resources and external consultants (5 FTE) • Set-up IS master plan and application roadmaps

  • Project Manager at AREVA T&D
    Sep 2004 - Feb 2008 · 3 yrs 6 mos

    • Manage the projects portfolio for purchasing and logistics domains of the SAP Competency Center • Implement the SAP logistic core model in China (Shanghai)

  • Senior SAP Consultant at KPMG Peat Marwick
    Jun 1999 - Jun 2004 · 5 yrs 1 mo

    • Senior certified SAP Consultant on MM (Material Management) and EBP (Enterprise Buyer Professional). • Participate to international projects in Europe for SAP implementation, core model roll-out and business assistance • Main references : Airbus EADS, Thalès Avionics, Bouygues Telecom, Unedic