Zeynep Sirek

Director - Head of IT, Data and Advanced Analytics – DDIS

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

About

I am an ambitious, results-driven IT professional with over 25 years of experience in both commercial IT companies and internal IT departments. I enable organizations to leverage technology for digital and business transformation. As an IT and Data leader, I focus on developing and implementing strategies that maximize the value of IT and data for business functions. I believe success requires the right combination of people, processes, and technology. I am resourceful, take calculated risks, and consistently work to achieve goals despite challenges. I am motivated by learning and experimentation, and I am committed to continuous improvement—for myself, my organization, and my teams. My experience spans software development, application management, IT security, big data platforms, and IT infrastructure and operations. I have a strong technical foundation and excel at translating technology into business value. I have extensive experience managing high-risk IT projects and leading both national and international programs with multiple stakeholders. I am skilled at developing and managing leadership teams and specialist groups.

Experience

  • Forsvaret ()
    • Director - Head of IT, Data and Advanced Analytics – DDIS
      Jan 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 7 mos

      Function, responsibilities, tasks included: - Head of division and leading a team of 6 head of departments. - Ensuring that the division “does the right things” through strategy and governance, as well as “doing things right” through organizational and operational model development and performance management frameworks and metrics. - Sustain and evolve professional IT and data mindset/culture and leading the division to become more business-oriented. - Ensuring that short-term goals support long-term strategy, and that functional strategy is in alignment with the overall strategy. - Creating value propositions and solutions/products to improve business functions. - Leading multiple digital platform transformations: IT (infrastructure, network, storage), IT security and application and data platforms. - Ensuring budget planning, financial management and workforce management. - Measure IT performance and act on metrics for improvement. - Communicating and reporting IT and data performance progress. - Developing skills and competencies and sourcing internal and external talent.

    • Deputy Director of IT and data Division – DDIS
      Nov 2021 - Dec 2022 · 1 yr 2 mos

      Function, responsibilities, tasks included: - Overall responsible for day-to-day management for the division, including the 6 head of departments as direct reports. - Participating in developing and implementing the strategy, and goals for the division. - Assessing and managing business demands and executing according to plans. Focus on every delivery being compliant and having the desired result and business outcome. - Preparing and managing IT budgets and workforce management. - Operating the IT and Data Governance board. - Measure IT performance and act on metrics for improvement. - Communicating and reporting IT and data performance

    • Head of IT – DDIS
      Feb 2017 - Oct 2021 · 4 yrs 9 mos

      Function, responsibilities, tasks included: - Leading department and a team of 6 head of branches and IT architects. - Responsible for IT infrastructure and operations (datacenter, network, server, storage) ServiceDesk and support and application management. - Developing and implementing goals and KPI’s for the department in collaboration with the leadership team. - Preparing and managing IT budgets and investments. - Defining and evolving our IT services. Measuring, communicating and reporting IT performance. Continuously improving services and processes. - Delivery and resource planning and management. - Executing, delivering, monitoring progress, and iterating on plans. - Developing skills and competencies and sourcing internal and external talent.

  • Owner and Consultant at Sirek Consulting
    Jan 2009 - Dec 2022 · 14 yrs

    Independent freelance consultant offering professional services within project management and interim management.

  • Independent Consultant (Project Manager) – TeliaSonera at TeliaSonera
    Mar 2012 - Dec 2013 · 1 yr 10 mos

    Function, responsibilities, tasks included: - Managed high profile product development projects from inception to final launch. This included management of multiple projects in parallel within the company and 3rd party vendors. Tight schedules and firm time to market demands were natural elements of the everyday challenges. - Responsible for ensuring that the technical development was fully aligned with the business at all stages of the projects. This included collaboration with various stakeholders from Product Management to Sales, Finance and Customer Service.

  • KMD ()
    • Program Manager – KMD A/S
      Feb 2009 - Dec 2011 · 2 yrs 11 mos

      - Heading the department and program responsible for development of new IT solutions for the Ministry of Taxation (SKAT). Responsibility for all aspects of the project including budget. Managed project scope, communication, risk- and issue management. - Reporting to steering group and senior level management.

    • Manager - SAP & Business Objects – KMD A/S
      Sep 2007 - Jan 2009 · 1 yr 5 mos

      - Responsible for implementing business strategy, development of BI concepts and products to the municipal market. Developing and implementing delivery and operating model. - Leading a team of multiple specialist (BI – developers, analysts, architects, project manager).

    • Project Director – KMD A/S
      Jun 2006 - Aug 2007 · 1 yr 3 mos

      Responsible for a portfolio of several large-scale application management and IT projects. Participation in steering committees and reporting to senior management.

  • Area Manager - NNIT A/S at NNIT A/S
    Apr 2002 - May 2006 · 4 yrs 2 mos

    - Leading IT, software development, application management and a department of 35 people (project managers, architects, and developers). - Profit and loss responsibility.