My first 30 days as Camelot’s Head of Infrastructure

Alessandro joined Camelot last April as the Head of Infrastructure. Originally from Tuscany in Italy he prides himself on being an excellent chef. We caught up with him to find out what his first month at Camelot was like, how he makes the most of his commute and what kind of person would succeed in his team.

Tell us a little about your role and what your teams do.

I am accountable for five technology stacks that allow Camelot to operate in the digital age (Networks, Workplace Tech, Systems, Cloud and Automation). My main responsibility is to ensure that Camelot’s infrastructure is ahead of the times in terms of technology, security and skilled technical people.

Describe what you do in a sentence or two.

I ensure Camelot has the right balance between technological innovation and attention to “keep the lights on”. I do this supported by five direct reports and about 20 talented engineers that represent the core of Camelot technology and future.

What kind of person do you think would succeed in your team?

Working with good people is a must for me, technical and soft skills can always be improved, the real person that stands behind any working role is the most important factor that will determine the success of the role itself. Integrity and honesty are both crucial elements for a successful career at Camelot and in life too!

Describe your first 30 days here.

I was shown around and introduced to my teams and to the wider Technology department. I attended a fantastic company induction day where I met my peers from across the business to understand what they do and how we will work together. I also introduced myself on stage at a company presentation to make sure everyone knows that I am 100% Italian! I have now met most of our vendors and I have started to own the IT infrastructure and I am really starting to understand how Camelot changes lives. I have also had the pleasure of trying a new dish every day in the on-site canteen!

What’s been the most surprising thing about working at Camelot?

Camelot is a true people company. It’s run by good people and provides services to the nation through The National Lottery games and by supporting Good Causes. I see Camelot as a big family that offers great career opportunities, work flexibility, a wide range of benefits and an organisation that looks after its own people very well.

What do you do outside of work?

I mainly enjoy spending time with my 5-year-old boy Lorenzo Akatama. I also love cooking, and as any other Italians do, I consider myself a naturally talented chef, but what makes me different is that I actually prefer Japanese food (don’t tell my “mamma”!). Also when I have time I love playing video games; they are the main reason I chose a career in IT in the first place!

Where is your favourite place in the world?

My hometown in Italy: “Porto Santo Stefano”, on the Monte Argentario peninsula in southern Tuscany it is a hidden gem (well.. not anymore after this post!) of the Tyrrhenian Sea, a perfect mix of crystal clear sea water, rocks and sandy beaches, olive trees and neverending vineyards, all enriched by a fascinating history that has attracted celebrities and royal families since the 1950’s.

What do you do on your commute to work?

I really enjoy the drive from London to the Watford office as I always go in the opposite direction of the traffic so it’s normally an easy journey. It is also the only time when I can mentally plan my day ahead while relaxing and listening to some good music. It’s an improvement on my previous one hour commute using the tube in central London, it is all useful time recovered from my daily routine!