Rob Webb Chief Information Technology Officer of the Etihad Aviation Group

Summary: Among other topics, Rob discusses the following issues with Metis Strategy:<br> <br> * Leveraging technology platforms across airlines to achieve economies of skill and scale<br> * The role of the Chief Information Technology Officer versus the CIO and CTO<br> * Implementing a cloud-first approach and mobility solutions<br> * Parallels between the hospitality space and the airline industry<br> * Investing in people to meet the demand rapid business growth places on IT<br> * Enabling safe growth by focusing on better prioritization and program management<br> * Using a strategic approach to external partnerships to realize economies of scale and human capital development<br> * How Gulf culture encourages investment in leading-edge technologies<br> * Eye on the Trends: Integrating data analytics from synthesized loyalty programs and location-based services to improve customer experience and targeted marketing.<br> <br> Rob Webb’s Biography<br> Rob is the Chief Information Technology Officer of the Etihad Aviation Group, comprising Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, and equity partner airlines in Europe, Africa, and South Asia.<br> Prior to joining Etihad, Rob served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Technology Business Management Council, a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to advancing the discipline of managing the business of IT. He was also an advisor at Greylock Partners, a leading venture capital firm in Silicon Valley primarily investing in start-ups and growth-stage ventures.<br> Rob served as Chief Information Officer of Hilton Hotels Corporation from July 2009 through May 2012, and as Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Officer and Corporate Vice President of Equifax Inc. between 2004 and 2009. Prior to his time at Equifax, Rob was an IT executive at General Electric, where he served as CIO for several divisions including Commercial Finance, Consumer Finance Japan, and GE Energy Services.<br> Rob holds a BA in Political Science and Economics from the University of Western Ontario, and received an MBA with an emphasis on International Business from ESCP Europe.<br>