So, here’s the scoop on RMB’s tech whiz Christiaan du Preez — this guy’s like the Sherlock Holmes of South Africa’s financial tech scene, and seriously, his latest hustle? Collaboration. Yeah, not some lone-wolf stuff, but full-on team detective mode.

Since du Preez slid into RMB back in 2020, first as the bank’s CIO and now the big boss CDIO (Chief Digital & Information Officer, for those not in the buzz), he’s been cooking up a storm. Dude snagged multiple nods this year, including the 2024 CIO Awards and a shiny Digital Innovation Award from CIO SA. You might ask, what’s his secret sauce? Here’s the deal: instead of just bossing tech projects around, Christiaan’s double downing on people — building bridges inside his squad and outside with private sectors to patch up the crazy skills shortage in SA’s tech world.

RMB’s no ordinary bank; it’s got a people-first vibe that’s not just lip service. Christiaan’s playing it smart, fostering a culture that says “Hey, innovation lives here,” which gives his team the runway to chase wild tech dreams, like blockchain breakthroughs they’re eyeballing for this year. He’s not just about the code or the servers; he’s about the crew, the culture, the collaboration that turns good tech ideas into bankable reality.

What’s cool? Du Preez sees CIO gigs these days as more than just managing IT; it’s about merging strategy, business impact, and innovation into a neat trifecta. He’s preaching that IT leaders gotta stretch beyond tech jargon and dive into fresh skill sets that influence whole organizations. This mindset syncs perfectly with CIO South Africa’s chatter about the future of IT leadership — pushing for bold, new directions.

And hey, he’s not just talking big; CIO Magazine sat him down to dig into how tight-knit partnerships can close the skill gap yawning in banking tech. The takeaway? Collaboration isn’t just a buzzword. For du Preez, it’s the lifeline that’ll keep RMB racing ahead in the fast lane of digital transformation.

So next time you think tech leadership in finance is some solo game, think again. Christiaan du Preez and RMB are proof that the real power move now is teaming up, playing smart, and innovating together to shake up the South African banking scene. Dude’s not just running a tech department; he’s steering an alliance that’s rewriting the rules of digital banking success. Detective hats off.