“AAK has taken me from Mexico and around the world”
Rodrigo joined AAK Mexico expecting to stay for just a few months. Some fourteen years later, he is Chief Information Officer, responsible for IT across AAK’s global operations. He shares some reflections on his journey that have taken him from Mexico and around the world.
How did you end up starting to work for AAK?
I grew up in Mexico, and after my studies in the UK, I knew that I wanted to continue seeing the world. I wanted to explore different flavors, different smells, and different cultures, so I applied for more studies in the UK and got accepted by three different universities.
Back in Mexico during the summer, waiting for the courses to begin, my mother encouraged me to apply for a temporary job to earn some money. So, I started applying for positions, trying to be very honest that I only wanted to stay three months. A European company was looking for an IT person. They didn't say for how long, but I decided to apply, and it turned out to be AAK.
How was your first time in your position?
The position turned out to have more challenges and opportunities than I expected. The position was very thrilling and challenging and I learned a lot. It was so much more than carrying computers and plugging cables. I was involved in many interesting international projects that gave me good opportunities to develop my skills, and I was exposed to external contacts and colleagues all around the world.
Then in 2014, after the successful launch of the local business intelligence solution in Mexico, I was asked to move to Sweden to work on developing a new business intelligence platform. At first, I was daunted by the sheer complexity of the project. It was not easy, and it required a lot of hard work to make it work. But nevertheless, we saw the potential in the tool and were determined that we wanted to continue to develop it.
During the development process, you explored an idea for further improvement?
Yes, in the middle of developing the system, I couldn’t stop thinking about a question that had been bothering me for years; why did it take between 24 to 48 hours for the AAK headquarters to return data in the system? Now, when I was in a position where I could change this me and my team decided to find a better way to handle the transfer of data between different parts of the organization.
We didn't only implement the business intelligence tool but we also made some enhancements in the backend. We looked into real-time applications. It was not just about changing a parameter, instead, we had to create a whole new framework of working reporting, data transfer, buffering, and so forth.
Did the idea pay off?
Yes, the work paid off, and in 2021 we rolled out the business intelligence solution globally. I am happy to be able to look back at a mission successfully accomplished.
Today, when the US or Mexico reports something, it takes not more than three to five minutes before it is reflected in the business database. So, we went from 48 hours to three minutes, and sometimes it can happen in just five seconds. That is what I call an improvement.
What are the keys to making this journey possible?
Three months have become fourteen years, and now I am CIO. That is quite a journey. I feel very recognized and appreciated by the company. My ability to show initiative and find new solutions has not gone unnoticed. Last year, after our annual review, I was appointed global CIO, responsible for leading IT globally across the organization.
I think the key to making this remarkable journey possible is that I have always had people around me that believed in me and saw my potential. During the years I have felt motivated, not only from the challenges in the projects but also from colleagues and leaders who have given me good guidance and many opportunities along the way.
It’s been a mix of support, willingness, challenging yourself, and not being stuck in your comfort zone.
