Kenny Kamal

CIO at Oxfam International

Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself

I am based in the UK with colleagues in the Global South. My current role as the CIO of Oxfam International is exciting and challenging. Technology underpins our mission where Oxfam is a global movement of people fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice. Across regions, from the local to the global, we work with people to bring change that lasts.

Our vision is a world that is just and sustainable. A world in which people and the planet are at the center of just economies. A world in which women and girls live free from gender-based violence and discrimination. Where the climate crisis is contained, and inclusive and accountable governance systems allow for those in power to be held to account.

What has your journey to your position been like? What path have you taken?

I started my career as an engineer, originally in networks, then in systems engineering, software development and finally in the CIO/CISO space. It’s been a fun journey for me with many opportunities to learn and grow with my roles.

Engineering continues to underpin my career but equally with a far more business-focused role. The alignment between business strategy and our systems is fundamental to our success.

In the roles I have had their have been many milestones but the most impactful for me has been the personal journey to deliver an inclusive and diverse colleague experience. Not only has this been rewarding to learn and grow these initiatives but equally it has been a great example of a business differentiator.

Has it always been your vision to reach the position you’re at? Was your current role part of your vision to become a tech leader?

While engineering has always loomed large for me in my career, the understanding of business and the desire to improve our systems to match business needs has been the driver for my career over the last 15 years. This perfectly aligns with the role of CIO which has ultimately been my goal. Security also continues to focus our minds at every opportunity and I continue to be responsible for that. 

Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey?

Mentorship and role models over the years have helped me achieve my success and indeed I continue to pay this forward for colleagues, past and present. It really helps when you have someone who challenges and supports you in equal measure.

How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?

My role and the wider CIO roles within the industry have moved from siloed IT and security to business enablers. We talk about the language of risk & governance, ROI and competitive advantage through technology but we spend less time on technology solutions.

Ultimately we have to address delivery as well, if we don’t deliver our key goals and projects we have not been successful.

What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?

I still firmly believe that technology skills are a prerequisite but equally the ability to build confidence and report within your business is key. it’s only then you can uncover obstacles, issues and needs to deliver our strategy.

We need to ensure we have an understanding of end-to-end business processes, functional areas, as well financial metrics to ensure our strategic investments will generate tangible business value.

Be the visionary for the business and bring others on that journey, ensuring you have the personal resilience to keep a balanced view of needs and wants.

The desire to drive cultural change, not only within the CIO office but across the wider business is a key skill for the new generation of leaders.

How do you keep current with new skills, technologies and personal development?

My learning style is to do, many pet projects have evolved into tangible business projects. That is how I want to learn, sometimes you have to fail fast but you are still learning while doing that.

What do you see as the next leap in technology that will impact your business or industry in particular?

We hear a lot about AI and the benefits it brings but we still have not managed to address some of the inequality it could bring.

We are actively ensuring AI will enable more inclusive opportunities across our confederation while ultimately delivering better business performance.

“Be willing to listen and adapt.”

If you were mentoring a leader of the future, what advice or guidance would you give to help them on their way?

I was taught many years ago, to be your authentic self, your success has come from that but be willing to listen and adapt. That will be your future success (credit John Standaloft).

Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?

I have found a home and I have much to deliver – that’s my journey for now.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? 

Genuinely – end poverty and we can start our journey to equality. 

A big thank you to Kenny Kamal from Oxfam International for sharing his journey to date.