GET TO KNOW...
On the lighter side of things, we ask the
industry experts what makes them tick. . . .
Philippe Kubbinga,
Regional Director, Middle East & Africa at
Axis Communications
What would you describe as your
most memorable achievement?
Building and leaving a legacy behind at
Axis, not simply because of securing large
orders and deals, but through building the
organisation and laying a foundation of
success within the EMEA region. In my time
as Regional Director, we have established
trusted relationships with partners and
customers and as a result my team has been
able to unlock extensive growth potential in
the region. Beyond the business, a personal
triumph for me has been ensuring I get that
delicate work-life balance right and take time
for my family and my children.
What first made you think of a
career in technology?
I have always been interested in
technology, the constant development and
innovation is what originally attracted me
to this industry. I originally started in the
telecommunications field and then got
drawn to the security industry. It is such
a dynamic and innovative market where
change is your constant – I wouldn’t want to
be anywhere else.
What style of management
philosophy do you employ with your
current position?
I try and be as open, transparent and
approachable as possible, taking time out
to meet with staff at all levels of the Axis
www.intelligentcio.com
organisation. I believe that by asking people
questions, prodding them on their ideas
and asking them ‘why’ they believe certain
things, or ‘why’ they see things in a certain
way, can give a unique all-encompassing
view of the business. As someone who likes
to mentor people, I think this approach
goes a long way towards enabling and
empowering people to think beyond the box.
I am also someone who likes to delegate
tasks and in doing so, I am growing an
individual’s skillset.
team members are far more supportive
of ideas when it comes to implementing
strategy and plans.
What do you think is the current hot
technology talking point?
The big touch points right now are Artificial
Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and Big
Data. While there is a lot of hype around
Something very important to me is
involving my team in the decision-making
process and to strive to build an open
platform for discussion where I can involve
every staff member and when we reach
consensus, knowing that everyone has been
part of the process. When you get this right,
“
I TRY
AND BE
AS OPEN,
TRANSPARENT AND
APPROACHABLE
AS POSSIBLE.
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