Building an IT Strategy for Global Operations Across Multi-Territory Businesses

TL;DR

An effective IT strategy for global, multi-territory businesses requires alignment with business goals, a unified operating model, and technology standardisation. As organisations scale internationally, CIOs must focus on agility, cybersecurity, cloud transformation, and regional compliance while fostering collaboration and governance.

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Building an IT Strategy for Global Operations Across Multi-Territory Businesses

By Richard Keenlyside

In today’s hyper-connected world, businesses are no longer confined by geography. From manufacturing hubs in Asia to retail stores in Europe and logistics operations in North America, organisations are operating across borders like never before. However, running IT for a multi-territory business introduces complex challenges—data governance, cybersecurity, infrastructure harmonisation, and cultural alignment among them. As a Global CIO, I’ve seen firsthand how a well-crafted IT strategy can either empower international success or become a source of friction.

Start with the Business Strategy

Your IT strategy must be an enabler, not a siloed initiative. Whether you're leading a carve-out, merger, or a digital transformation, aligning IT goals with the overarching business objectives is non-negotiable. This ensures stakeholder buy-in and maximises value delivery. At a recent client, we aligned IT across 13 global entities, harmonising infrastructure while reducing technical debt by over £2 million in just eight months.

Unify Through a Global IT Operating Model

For multi-territory businesses, inconsistency is the enemy of scalability. A global IT operating model establishes standardisation while respecting local nuances. When we built LoneStar’s model, it was designed to support global reach yet offer flexibility in regional execution. The model should define:

• Governance structures

• Security standards

• Change management protocols

• Integration approaches for ERP, CRM, and supply chain systems

  
  

Embrace the Cloud—Strategically

Cloud migration is a given, but strategy is everything. Avoid a “lift and shift” approach. Instead, assess applications for re-platforming or modernisation. Migrating 150 servers to Azure enabled central control and significant savings, while facilitating business continuity and security.

Cybersecurity: A Global Imperative

Multi-territory operations are prime targets for cyberattacks. Implementing a layered cybersecurity approach with internal and external penetration testing, outsourced SOCs, and endpoint protection creates a resilient environment. Training and awareness are just as critical—especially in regions with varying maturity levels.

Standardise Core Systems, Localise Where Necessary

ERP, CRM, HRM, and finance systems benefit from standardisation—but avoid a one-size-fits-all mindset. Regional tax laws, employment regulations, and customer expectations may demand localisation. At FitFlop, we rolled out NetSuite across global offices, accommodating local tax and manufacturing differences while ensuring a unified reporting framework.

Data is the Foundation

Without structured data, your global IT strategy crumbles. Implement data governance, central data lakes, and consistent reporting tools like Power BI. At M.I. Dickson, consolidating data enabled predictive insights and a £1.4 million increase in home delivery turnover during Covid.

Consider Cultural and Regulatory Differences

Technology can bridge distances—but not cultural or regulatory gaps. From GDPR in Europe to China’s data residency laws, IT strategies must accommodate local legal frameworks. Engage legal and compliance teams early in the design phase to avoid operational and reputational risks.

Build for Agility, Not Just Efficiency

Transformation should not only optimise existing processes but prepare for future scale. RPA, AI, and intelligent automation are key to building lean, scalable operations. At Northumbrian Water, our automation strategy saved 75,000 hours annually—proof that agility drives long-term value.

FAQs

Q: What’s the biggest challenge in building a global IT strategy?A: Aligning local needs with global standards. It’s a balancing act between centralisation and localisation.

Q: How do you ensure cybersecurity across multiple countries?A: Adopt a layered defence model, partner with global cybersecurity firms, and implement a standardised training programme.

Q: Should all business units use the same ERP system?A: Ideally, yes, for data consistency and process alignment—but flexibility is essential where legal or operational differences exist.

Q: How do you handle legacy systems in global operations?A: Assess and prioritise replacements based on business impact and risk, aiming to reduce technical debt strategically over time.

In Closing

The foundation of a successful global IT strategy lies in harmonisation, governance, and proactive innovation. Whether you’re managing 600 people or leading a carve-out, remember: your IT strategy is the nervous system of your organisation’s international body. Build it with purpose, adaptability, and a keen eye on both the horizon and the ground beneath your feet.

Richard Keenlyside is the Global CIO for the LoneStar Group and a previous IT Director for J Sainsbury’s PLC.