Article at a glance:

Integrating diverse IT systems: An interview with the CIO of Credit Suisse

• Tom Sanzone, the CIO of Credit Suisse, says he was originally drawn to his current position by senior management's commitment to the importance of technology—a commitment that is evident by his seat on the executive board.
• As CIO, Sanzone helps shape the bank's overall strategy, which is based on opportunities his technology organization has created. He also faces the challenge of bringing together three formerly independent IT units while keeping them aligned with the goals of their respective businesses: private banking, investment banking, and asset management.
• The impetus for integration was the bank's realization that it was missing out on top-line synergies and on opportunities to cut costs by building scale in low-cost regions.
• Sanzone says that the integration of these IT units resembles a merger between independent companies. The effort involves a search for best-of-breed processes and talent that can then be dispersed across the entire organization.