Robert Graf

Global Technology Transformation Executive - Strategic IT Cost Optimization | IT Operating Model & Sourcing Strategy | Infrastructure Optimization | Migration to Cloud | Application Optimization | Business/ Value Case

Greater Boston

About

Global technology executive with 25 years of experience partnering with the C-suite and business, IT and financial management teams of public and privately-owned companies to maximize enterprise value from technology-enabled strategies, structural cost resets and business-aligned technology investments. As global technology cost optimization/ Zero-based technology lead (2016 – 2022) engaged annually with 20-30 clients, led 50+ engagements and optimized/ reset IT cost structures by 25% - 40%. Part of “big deal” pursuits to create funds to fuel broad business/ technology transformations. Generated follow-on projects in digital/ technology strategy, IT operating model design, Cloud planning/ migration, infrastructure design/ deployment, outsourcing and transformation management. Representative client experiences include: • Strategic IT Cost Optimization - For a global retail company, developed a three-year roadmap and financial plan to reduce IT spend by 35% in 3 years and re-direct $625M in savings to fuel the digital agenda. Identified over 15 initiatives focused on end-user services optimization, vendor consolidation, technology standardization/ rationalization, workforce consolidation, sourcing optimization and infrastructure optimization. • Technology Operating Model and Sourcing Strategy – For a privately-owned consumer product company transformed the IT function and reset the cost structure (45% reduction). Developed the IT operating model - product-centric design, “fit-for-purpose” delivery model and hybrid workforce, sourcing and location strategy. Operating model impacts included reducing IT workforce by 25%, support costs by 35% and project costs by 45%. • Infrastructure Optimization/ Migration to Cloud – For a global bank executed a project to reduce infrastructure cost and complexity while increasing quality, agility and speed to market. Defined 30+ initiatives to achieve $1B annual cost savings and 40% reduction in complexity after three years by migrating to the Cloud & consolidating, optimizing and re-platforming infrastructure assets (compute, storage, network) and applications. • Platform & Application Optimization – For a global, transportation and logistics company developed target-state application landscape that reduced 2,500 applications by 40% while reducing application and infrastructure maintenance and support costs by 17%. Increased use of enterprise platforms across divisions and rationalized redundant, aging, functionally inadequate and costly applications.

Experience

  • Partner - Hybrid Cloud Transformation, Advisory, Distribution Sector (Retired) at IBM
    Apr 2024 - Jun 2025 · 1 yr 3 mos

  • Managing Director (MD) - Technology Strategy and Cost Transformation (2007 - 2022) at Accenture
    Aug 1998 - Dec 2022 · 24 yrs 5 mos

    Managing Director in the Strategy Practice of Accenture. Global Lead for Strategic Technology Cost Optimization from 2016-2022. Helped global companies reset/ optimize technology cost structures and maximize value from technology investments. SELECTED EXPERIENCE Strategic Technology Cost Optimization/ Zero-based Technology (ZBTech) Global Consumer Goods Company - Developed a strategic IT cost optimization plan to reduce spend by $250M annually from improvements in end-user services, vendor mgmt., IT infrastructure, application development and maintenance and workforce/ sourcing optimization. Federal Government Branch – Assessed IT capabilities against leading commercial capabilities, identifying $2B+ in savings over 6 years from IT improvement and shared services opportunities focused on IT governance, business/ IT process alignment, infrastructure mgmt./ consolidation and application rationalization. Global Logistics Company/ European Division – Developed cost optimization roadmap and value case that exceeded gain share savings target. Core optimization programs included vendor standardization & consolidation, network modernization, Cloud First Strategy, IT Operating Model/ workforce/ sourcing optimization and ERP consolidation. Business/Technology Strategy and Enablement Global Food and Beverage Company - Developed a board-approved $1.5B, 3-year strategic & financial plan to reinvent IT and enable a digital business. Plan modernized the IT foundation and delivered increased technology effectiveness, enhanced market solutions and digital innovation while transforming the cost structure. Travel and Transportation Company - Developed a board-approved $250M 3-year digital & IT transformation plan and value case. Transformed enterprise into a digital business by strengthening the technology core (e.g., modernize technology, enhance data & analytics), inventing a unified customer experience and adopting intelligent products and services.