Ian Fletcher
BSc (Hons) Information Systems, University of Leeds. Joined ICI Paints: October 2003.
What were your first impressions of ICI? What influenced you to join?
While at University, I was searching for summer internships when I came across ICI and learned that they offered both placements and a graduate scheme. I spent 3 months, after my second year of University, in Trade Marketing before being offered a position in IT for when I finished my degree. It wasn't a difficult decision to come back, everyone here is friendly, supportive and enthusiastic about what they do. This is a well known company with some great brands and they reward achievement where it is due.
Tell us about your career so far?
Although I work in IT the projects I am involved in are usually run by other parts of the business which gives me a lot of exposure. My first role was on a Supply Chain project, helping to implement a European Advanced Planning System. I then worked with R&D on a new formulation system to hold all the recipes for the paint we make. This was a great challenge as the system is used all across Europe and also in the Asian business. I have also been involved with Finance and at ICI Paints we undertake a graduate project which this time is heavily focused on innovation in the Trade market. Alongside all this, I have been given control of several smaller projects helping to improve my department. The main challenge is being able to communicate with such a wide variety of people who all have different roles and different views. As a Business Analyst I help to bridge the gap between those who need the IT and those who provide it.
And what training have you undertaken?
As well as attending the EGDP courses I have been on Project Management, Negotiation and Finance courses. I have also been given the chance to brush up on my French by having lessons each week. Training opportunities are supported if there is a business need.
And the future?
In the future I want to work on higher profile projects and also to start managing people. ICI has lots of good projects coming up and has already started to give me experience of supervising others. The business is always developing so there will be no shortage of opportunities.
