Q&A: Centrica CIO Darren Miles and Centrica’s digital transformation journey

Centrica plc is the largest supplier of gas to the United Kingdom and one of its biggest suppliers of electricity. The multinational energy and services company operates Scottish Gas in Scotland and British Gas in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland and is the owner of Bord Gáis Energy in Ireland. CIO.com spoke to Centrica Group Chief Information Officer Darren Miles about his experience during his first year in the role as the company underwent a digital and technological transformation affecting customers and staff alike.

CIO.com: What are your roles and responsibilities?

As the Group Chief Information Officer for Centrica, I have overall technology accountability for the group, working with core and distributed technology teams to deliver the right outcomes for our customers. My focus as CIO is keeping it simple; using great technology to our advantage so we can build a workplace where colleagues thrive and where we are closer to our customers, building competitive services at speed and at scale.

Across the technology teams, we continuously look at ways technology can make things simpler for our customers, whether on our app, website, in a customer’s home, or speaking with our colleagues on the phone. Everything linked to simplicity is underpinned by technology. During my first 12 months in this role, I have focused on building a diverse and inclusive team. I wanted to make a shift in our culture and build a new spirit of collaboration throughout the technology community.

CIO.com: How has your career evolved to becoming an IT director/CIO/CTO?

I started my career as an electrical engineer. I’ve always tried to make my work practical and outcome-focused. In the early years, I would spend the train commute learning new technologies and practical skills. It is key to have a growth mindset to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our customers and as new technologies are developed.