Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Mark Schmidt is an accomplished Chief Information Officer (CIO) with extensive experience in driving digital transformation and leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency and drive business growth. As the CIO at Westlake Chemical, he is responsible for overseeing the company's information technology strategy, infrastructure, and data management initiatives.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the CIO of Westlake Chemical, Mark leads a team of IT professionals in Houston, Texas. In this role, he is responsible for aligning the company's technology roadmap with its overall business objectives, implementing robust cybersecurity measures, and spearheading the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to streamline operations and improve decision-making. Under Mark's leadership, Westlake Chemical has successfully migrated its critical systems to the cloud, resulting in enhanced data security, scalability, and cost savings.
Career Progression
Prior to his current position, Mark served as the Vice President of Information Technology at a leading petrochemical manufacturer, where he spearheaded the implementation of a company-wide enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and data visibility. Earlier in his career, he held various IT management roles within the energy and manufacturing sectors, steadily advancing his expertise in leveraging technology to drive organizational transformation.
Academic Background
Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated cum laude. Additionally, he has completed executive leadership programs at the Harvard Business School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, further honing his strategic decision-making and innovation capabilities.
Areas of Expertise
- Information technology strategy and implementation
- Digital transformation and business process optimization
- Cybersecurity and data governance
- Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
- Cloud computing and infrastructure management
- IT team leadership and talent development
Professional Impact
Under Mark's leadership, Westlake Chemical has achieved significant operational improvements and cost savings through the implementation of advanced technologies. He has been instrumental in driving the company's digital transformation, leading to enhanced data-driven decision-making and improved customer experience. Mark's industry expertise and innovative mindset have earned him recognition as a thought leader within the petrochemical sector, and he is frequently invited to speak at industry conferences and events.
Conclusion
With over 20 years of experience in the information technology field, Mark Schmidt is a seasoned CIO who has consistently demonstrated his ability to leverage technology to drive business success. His strategic vision, technical expertise, and collaborative leadership style make him a valuable asset to Westlake Chemical as the company continues to navigate the evolving digital landscape.
