Currys CITO Andy Gamble takes trip down memory lane amid Sony Europe Basingstoke site redevelopment plans

Andy Gamble, Chief Information & Transformation Officer (CITO) at Currys, has been reminiscing about his time at Sony where he served as Chief Information Officer & Senior Vice President.

This trip down memory lane was sparked by the news that plans have been submitted for the redevelopment of Sony Europe's business unit in Basingstoke's Viables Industrial Estate.

The proposal seeks to demolish the existing buildings and construct two new industrial units.

In a LinkedIn post, Gamble said: “It feels like just yesterday I walked into this Sony building for the first time, filled with excitement and awe.”

“Today, looking at a picture of that same (now rather shabby) building, I’m flooded with memories of an incredible 17 year journey at the brand that took me from the UK, through Europe, into Russia and onto Asia before finishing my tenure at the brand in California.”

He added: “The corner window under the “S” was our first technology senior management office, a hub of brainstorming and growth.”

“From there, I saw our projects and ambitions evolve under the incredible Simon Ashby (former VP at Playstation) and Frank Cunnane (SVP, Regional CIO EMEA & Head of Global Content Platform Technology at Sony Pictures Entertainment).”

“The building of our “cutting-edge” datacentre at the front of this image, the creation of a single Sony Europe entity, the consolidation of ERPs into a single SAP instance globally, the creation of a new TV facility in Nitra Slovakia, creation of what is now the Sony India Software Centre, the launch of our first online stores, the first deployment of a new then unknown platform called Salesforce and the development of a new retail concept.”

He concluded: “I’m thankful for the experiences and the amazing people I worked with. Sony shaped me into the leader I am today, and for that, I’ll always be grateful and hold the brand close to my heart.”

“Here’s to cherishing the past, embracing the present, and looking forward to the future with passion and determination. To the team I shared this journey with so many years ago - here’s to you and your’s - wherever you are in the world. Onwards and upwards.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Online stores are a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which is now open for entries.

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Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.