Jon Whittaker
CIO, Kelly Spicers
Professional Overview
Jon Whittaker is an accomplished Chief Information Officer (CIO) with over 40 years of experience in the paper and print industry. As the CIO of Kelly Spicers, he is responsible for overseeing the company's entire information technology infrastructure, strategic planning, and digital transformation initiatives. Whittaker has a proven track record of leveraging technology to drive operational efficiency, enhance customer experience, and support business growth.
Experience Summary
Current Role
Whittaker has been the CIO of Kelly Spicers, a leading provider of paper and print solutions, since 1980. In this role, he is responsible for aligning the company's technology strategy with its overall business objectives. He oversees the implementation and maintenance of mission-critical enterprise systems, manages the IT team, and ensures the security and reliability of the company's digital infrastructure. Under Whittaker's leadership, Kelly Spicers has successfully navigated through several industry disruptions and emerged as a technology-forward organization.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Whittaker served as the CIO North America at PaperlinX, a global paper and packaging company, from 2008 to 2012. In this position, he was instrumental in driving the company's digital transformation initiatives across the North American region. Before that, he held the role of Commercial Systems Manager at PaperlinX from 2001 to 2008, where he spearheaded the implementation of advanced enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
Academic Background
Whittaker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He has also completed several executive leadership programs and industry-specific certifications, further enhancing his expertise in information technology and business management.
Areas of Expertise
- Enterprise IT infrastructure management
- Digital transformation and innovation
- Process optimization and automation
- Information security and risk management
- Strategic planning and business alignment
- Team leadership and talent development
Professional Impact
Under Whittaker's leadership, Kelly Spicers has successfully implemented a cloud-based ERP system, which has significantly improved operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making. He has also led the development of a customer-facing digital platform, enabling seamless ordering, tracking, and communication for the company's clients. Whittaker's contributions have been recognized by industry peers, and he is frequently invited to speak at conferences and events on the role of technology in the paper and print industry.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, technical expertise, and strategic vision, Jon Whittaker is a respected CIO who has played a crucial role in driving the digital transformation and sustained growth of Kelly Spicers. As the company continues to navigate the evolving industry landscape, Whittaker's leadership and commitment to innovation will be essential in maintaining the organization's competitive edge.
