Patrick Naef: Shaping Digital Transformation and Technology Leadership

Leading ITvisor and Advising Organizations

Since 2018, Naef has served as Founder and CEO of ITvisor GmbH, a boutique consulting and advisory firm focused on helping organizations navigate their digital journeys. Through ITvisor, he advises companies on digital strategy and transformation while coaching leaders to develop the capabilities required to lead in an increasingly digital business environment.

His professional portfolio also includes advisory and board responsibilities. He has served as a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company, supporting its Travel, Transportation & Logistics Practice with a focus on aviation, digital strategy, innovation, and transformation. He has also served as a Non-executive Director at Franke.

Transforming Aviation Technology at Emirates Group

One of the defining chapters of Naef’s career was his more than 12-year tenure with Emirates Group, where he served as Chief Information Officer and Divisional Senior Vice President of IT from 2006 to 2018.

In this role, he was responsible for the group’s IT and technology services and led an organization of more than 3,000 IT professionals supporting more than 100,000 employees globally. His mandate included driving the digital agenda and enabling technology across the Emirates Group.

His aviation technology leadership extended to mercator, where he served as CEO for more than eight years. Under his leadership, mercator significantly grew its revenues while maintaining healthy profit margins and served more than 120 travel and transportation customers globally.

A Career Built on Technology and Strategy

Naef’s technology career began in the financial and technology sectors, with early positions at Coutts, Julius Baer, and Hewlett Packard. He subsequently served as CIO of Swissair Transport Co Limited, Group CIO at SIG Holding AG, and Head of ISP Projects at Zurich Insurance Company.

These roles established a broad foundation across IT strategy, technology operations, systems development, and organizational transformation before his move into senior aviation technology leadership.

Board and Advisory Leadership

Beyond executive management, Naef has accumulated significant board and advisory experience. His career includes board positions with organizations such as SITA, Franke, mercator, and mercator Asia.

His work as an advisor and board member reflects his continued focus on helping organizations understand the strategic implications of technology, digitalization, innovation, and transformation.

Recognized Technology Leadership

Naef’s leadership has received several industry recognitions, including CIO of the Decade, CIO of the Year, Aviation IT Manager of the Year, Top 50 CIO Award, and Top 10 CIO Middle East Award.

These distinctions complement a career built around the practical application of technology to business transformation, particularly within complex global organizations.

Education and Executive Development

Naef holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from ETH Zurich and an Executive MBA in Business Engineering from the University of St. Gallen. He has also completed executive programs at IMD Business School and Stanford University Graduate School of Business, including studies focused on board effectiveness and the strategic use of IT.

CEO Network Recognition

CEO Network recognizes Patrick Naef for his distinguished contribution to technology leadership, digital transformation, and innovation, particularly across the global aviation and travel sectors. From leading large-scale IT organizations to building ITvisor and advising businesses on their digital journeys, his career demonstrates how technology strategy can become a catalyst for organizational transformation and long-term value creation.

Technology. Transformation. Leadership.