As head of IT (CIO) of Pareto Limited & Mowana Properties, Ozayr’s role is as expansive as the properties under his watch. Beyond his IT leadership, Ozayr indulges in his passion for travel and food, often fantasising about life as a culinary writer.
The names Pareto Limited and Mowana Properties might not immediately ring a bell, but you’ve likely visited one of their iconic properties. From Cresta and Menlyn Park Shopping Centres to Mimosa Mall and The Pavilion, just to name a few. CIO South Africa caught up with Ozayr Omar, the property management company’s head of IT (CIO), to explore the critical role that technology plays in supporting and advancing the commercial real estate sector in South Africa.
Q: What does your role as head of IT at Pareto Limited & Mowana Properties entail?
A: My role involves defining and designing the strategic vision and leading the strategic planning, implementation, and management of technology initiatives that support our organisational goals. I oversee IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, data management and digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency, decision-making and customer experience. This includes leveraging data analytics, automating processes, integrating smart building technologies, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Additionally, I collaborate with other executives to align technology investments with long-term business objectives, drive innovation, and maintain a competitive edge in the market. My leadership ensures technology delivers measurable value to the organisation.
Q: What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most, and what challenges or tasks do you find the least enjoyable?
A: As a CIO, the most enjoyable aspects of my job often include driving innovation, leading digital transformation, and providing cutting-edge technological solutions that create real impact – not only within the organisation but driving the digital transformation agenda as an industry player.
On the other hand, the least enjoyable aspect includes dealing with cybersecurity threats that require constant vigilance. The need to balance investment in long-term solutions while prioritising short-term operational demands can also be challenging. Furthermore, managing resistance to change within the organisation while the external environment is constantly changing is a fine balancing act as change fatigue often creeps in, thereby jeopardising any future change management objectives. Timing and approach are essential.
Q: Can you explain the pivotal role that IT plays in shaping and supporting the South African property industry?
A: Technology plays a transformative role in the commercial real estate (CRE) industry by enhancing efficiency, decision-making, and customer experiences. Key areas where technology is pivotal include:
- Data-driven insights: advanced analytics and big data provide real-time market trends, tenant behaviour, and property performance insights, enabling informed decision-making and more accurate valuations.
- Smart buildings: IoT and smart building technologies optimise energy use, improve security and enhance tenant comfort, adding value to properties and reducing operational costs.
- Digital platforms: online platforms streamline property management, leasing and transactions, making processes more efficient and transparent for investors, brokers, and tenants.
- Virtual and augmented reality: these tools allow for virtual property tours and space planning, enabling remote clients to visualise properties and make quicker decisions.
- Automation: automating routine tasks like maintenance scheduling, lease management, and reporting frees up resources for more strategic activities.
- Sustainability: tech-driven solutions support sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient systems and green building certifications, which are increasingly important to investors and tenants.
Overall, technology enhances the CRE industry’s ability to innovate, reduce costs, improve asset management, and meet evolving customer expectations, ensuring long-term competitiveness and growth.
Q: What measures are you implementing to strengthen cybersecurity in the property sector, where data privacy and protection are crucial, particularly with the growing use of digital property management platforms?
A: In CRE Technology for shopping malls and smart buildings, cybersecurity is vital due to the extensive use of IoT devices, building management systems, and digital platforms. Key measures include securing IoT devices, protecting tenant and visitor data and safeguarding building management systems controlling heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, parking systems and security to list a few. Retail analytics and customer data require robust protection. Additionally, a formal security programme is essential to ensure our data, systems and stakeholders are protected.
Q: How has the role of IT leaders evolved over the years, and what responsibilities now extend beyond traditional IT functions?
A: Due to the industry being late entrants in embracing digital transformation, the role of IT leaders has rapidly evolved from end-user support and managing infrastructure to driving digital transformation and playing a pivotal role in the organisation’s strategic pursuits.
At an industry level, CIOs also play a key role in changing the landscape through innovation, fostering partnerships, and pursuing mutually beneficial solutions for the industry as a whole. IT leaders are now strategic partners who shape the future of CRE, ensuring that technology delivers competitive advantage and operational excellence.
Q: If you were not working in IT, what other profession would you be in? Is there a dream career/passion you wanted to pursue, but had to let go?
A: I have always imagined the exhilarating dream of being a travel food writer, where every journey is a tantalising adventure into the heart of diverse cultures and rich histories. I would be wandering through bustling markets in Marrakech or Darjeeling, savouring spices and tagines that whisper stories of ancient trade routes, or strolling through the vibrant streets of Tokyo or Dubai where tales of tradition meet innovation. Each bite becomes a connection to the past, a narrative woven from local ingredients and time-honoured traditions. I dream of experiences that are a culinary tapestry that reflects the world’s unique heritage, one delectable dish at a time.
Q: What books are you currently reading, and who’s your favourite author, and why?
A: I’m currently reading The World in 2050 by Hamish McRae, which is a vision of our planet in 2050 from economical, political and social perspective. If we understand how our world is changing, we will be in a better position to secure our future in the decades to come.
I do not have a favourite author, but enjoy reading philosophy, political and social sciences. However, one of my favourite books is The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli. This is a great book for its innovative, pragmatic approach to political power, emphasising realpolitik and the effectiveness of strategic, sometimes ruthless tactics. Its timeless relevance and clear writing make it a foundational text in political theory, deeply influencing governance and leadership practices.
Q: What do you do to unwind, do you have any interesting hobbies?
A: Experimenting in the culinary arts while listening to great music, and when possible, travelling the world.
