Eric Martin, Vice President, Information Technology and Digitalization, Groupe Deschênes
Eric Martin, Vice President, Information Technology and Digitalization, Groupe Deschênes
Eric Martin’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and deep understanding of the tech world has enabled him to lead the digital transformation initiatives in his organization. With years of experience and impeccable leadership skills, he is redefining the way innovations are approached in the industry.
Can you give a brief overview of your journey to your current role at Groupe Deschênes?
My background was in business management, and I aspired to be an entrepreneur. However, my exposure to computers during high school drew me toward technology. I was fortunate to have an immersive technological job with Hewlett Packard, kick-starting my journey in the IT field. My second major milestone was my first enterprise resource planning implementation, where I merged business education with technology.
For over 20 years, I held diverse leadership roles in the IT department. An essential shift in my focus occurred when I ventured into the world of artificial intelligence. I took courses on AI and joined Element AI, a flagship AI company in Canada, as the director of solutions delivery, and it helped redefine my perspective on technology’s future. I now serve as the vice president of IT to oversee the digital transformation at Groupe Deschênes.
What are some of the significant challenges impacting the IT industry?
One significant challenge every organization faces is ensuring cyber security. It’s paramount for every organization to safeguard its digital assets and data. The impact of artificial intelligence with the advent of open and generative AI has been transformative in the industry. AI was once a prospect but is now accessible to everyone. This seismic shift compels everyone to adapt swiftly, regardless of how prepared we are.
Another pressing issue is managing data critical for AI and other emerging technologies. Digital transformation can have a cultural impact by disrupting traditional business norms. The arrival of younger generations into the field will increase the chances for democratization through new tools. However, it can also increase governance complexities involving cyber and data security.
What are some of the leading trends that emerged in the industry lately?
The democratization of data, driven by AI, is currently one of the leading trends. Automation and digital twins for logistics and supply chain optimization are surging, promising growth opportunities. Digital health devices are also emerging swiftly, creating more opportunities to save and prolong life.
AI was once a prospect but is now accessible to everyone. This seismic shift compels everyone to adapt swiftly, regardless of how prepared we are 
Would you like to share a recent project where you have leveraged technology to fulfill the requirements?
The most recent project at Groupe Deschênes was revamping our customer e-commerce platform. The second-generation platform, implemented with an agile methodology, leverages Salesforce, SAP’s enterprise EiPaaS platform, and Informatica PIM for product master data. The new solution is implemented for eight of our sixteen business units and focuses on project management, development, integration, implementation, and change management. This transformation empowers clients with omni-channel capabilities, resulting in immediate sales volumes and profitability improvements. We are ramping up our center of excellence and super user network to sustain and enrich the implementation. Our company’s timely focus on change management has been a key ingredient in the success of this project.
How do you envision the future of the IT industry?
What excites me most is the transition from centralized to democratized IT. In the past, IT was easily a bottleneck. Now, with the cloud and various derivatives of data architecture, it is readily available to end users without much effort. This empowers every department in the industry while retaining centralized governance for critical aspects like data management and security. Keeping up with the trends in the future will be solely based on how the technologies are leveraged.
How have you adapted and grown during your career in the ever-evolving world of technology?
My love for learning and reading enables me to thrive in IT. I have been fortunate to work for companies that offered opportunities to develop my leadership, technical, and project management skills. My curiosity for learning AI has helped me better understand the technology’s future.
I do not run away from challenges. Instead, I keep pushing my limits to move forward. My advice to the pudding professionals in the industry would be to embrace all opportunities to learn new things and to never be scared of pushing your limits. Delve into the world of IT and explore every aspect of it.
