In the fast-paced world of technology-focused initiatives, few challenges are as complex as aligning business goals with technical requirements. Often, technology resources struggle to see the bigger picture, while business experts fail to grasp the technological intricacies necessary to achieve their objectives. Enter Niv Raz, a rare individual who possesses the unique ability to bridge the gap between business and technology.
Niv Raz's career spans for over two decades of progressive experience and a track record of success. Niv Raz started his journey into the realm of technology when he was rapidly recruited to EDS as a system administrator and quickly moved to lead the infrastructure team at Tnuva, where he gained valuable insights into how even the most basic technological tools impact businesses on a broader scale.
As a result of his outstanding results and comprehensive understanding of business needs, Niv Raz was retained by IBM Israel, one of the biggest technology companies in the world, and a major facilitator of Israel's surveillance and security mechanism, where he excelled as a solution architect. Niv Raz was responsible for driving client value through technology by designing and architecting solutions for high-scale, high-value-added projects. This experience further solidified his ability to bridge the divide between business goals and technical requirements.
Impressed by his proven track record of delivering exceptional result, Niv Raz was recruited by Harel Insurance, the largest insurance and finance group in Israel. Collaborating with Harel Insurance's major vendors, such as IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Nutanix, and Microsoft, Niv Raz propelled the organization's business performance to new heights. Employing an agile approach, he ensured the IT group remained adaptable to market requirements, continuously delivering innovative technical solutions and a streamlined user interface for clients.
Within a remarkably short span of three years, Niv Raz's exceptional leadership skills were recognized by the Harel Insurance leadership team, resulting in his promotion to the position of Chief Technology Officer at the age of 37. This made him the youngest person to ever hold such a role in Israel's history. As CTO, Niv Raz led the organization's development, data, and infrastructure initiatives, playing a pivotal role in establishing Harel Insurance as a prominent player in international markets and a standout in the insurance industry. He swiftly became the public face of technology for the company, sharing its remarkable journey with the world. Under Niv Raz's guidance, Harel Insurance transitioned into a modern organization, API First, Cloud, and innovative organization by integrating startups to enhance customer experience and provide more personalized services. Niv also led an innovation partnership with Tokio Marine to seek Israeli startups that provide cutting-edge advantages that enhance the insurance industry.
Niv Raz does not want wealth of knowledge to be contained to one business and to be able to share his expertise to a wider audience, he founded the CTO Corner Podcast. This platform brought together some of the brightest minds in the industry and quickly garnered a substantial following, serving as a valuable resource for CTOs worldwide to enhance their impact and refine their technology stacks. Additionally, Niv Raz joined the board of directors at CISPI (Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers in Israel), actively promoting the adoption of cloud technology in Israel. He spearheaded conferences, round tables, and public outreach efforts to drive the industry forward.
In 2021, Niv Raz embarked on a new chapter in his career, assuming the role of Senior Manager of Solution Engineering at VMware. Leading the solution engineering group in Israel and overseeing the local marketing strategy, Niv Raz wasted no time in making a significant impact. His efforts resulted in impressive revenue and substantial growth within a remarkably short period. Niv Raz's seamless collaboration with business teams and his ability to bridge the gap between technology and business goals proved instrumental in VMware's outstanding performance. A strategic leader and a gifted storyteller, Niv Raz continue to push the boundaries of Israel's technological capabilities. Under his guidance, individual organizations and entire industries have reaped the benefits of applied, solution-oriented technological solutions.
Niv Raz's journey is a testament to the importance of fostering alignment between business goals and technical requirements in today's technology-driven world. His exceptional abilities, innovative mindset, and relentless pursuit of excellence have not only propelled his own career but have also transformed businesses and industries, elevating Israel's technology landscape into a bright and promising future.
