Former Dimension Data (DiData) chief information officer (CIO), Derek Wilcocks, has been appointed deputy group CIO at Discovery.
Wilcocks left DiData in November last year after spending 22 years at the systems integrator. He is starting his new role at Discovery today.
"It has been a great privilege for me to spend 22 years with Dimension Data. Dimension Data gave me many opportunities to fulfil leadership roles in the telecommunications and information technology industries, both locally and globally," says Wilcocks.
"It [DiData] gave me the opportunity to pursue passions in increasing diversity and attracting, retaining and developing people. There is always more to learn in a business like Dimension Data, but I feel there are currently better opportunities for me personally to grow and contribute in another industry and company."
In his new role, Wilcocks will report to the group CIO, executive director and 26-year Discovery veteran, John Robertson. "There is no doubt that John is one of the best people to teach me about the business of financial services and the role that technology plays in this business," he notes.
He points out there are many similarities and opportunities for joint learning between DiData and Discovery.
"Both companies started in South Africa and are now fulfilling global leadership roles in their respective industries and both operate federated structures with group services serving very client- and market-focused business areas.
"In the short term, I have a steep learning curve to understand Discovery and the financial services industry. As I settle in, I intend to work closely with the leadership, people, communities and the customers Discovery serves."
Wilcocks joined DiData in 1995 as founding MD of Internet Solutions subsidiary Trusted Network Solutions, which was the first local company to get involved in network security, as well as firewall and cryptography technology.
Since then, he has held numerous executive positions across both the Middle East and Africa (MEA) businesses and the group, including MD of Internet Solutions and CEO of Dimension Data MEA.