Where Technology Meets Tradition in Sports

Rey Sumaru, General Manager IT & Innovation, Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC)

Rey Sumaru, General Manager IT & Innovation, Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC)

Rey is an IT professional with over 25 years’ experience in managing Technology and Innovation departments and delivery of Technology projects across various environments. In the current role, Rey is responsible for the Strategic directions, Innovation and Operations of the IT & Innovation department and the Delivery of the Smart Stadium Initiative, which includes, a fully Converged Network, Stadium Wide Wi-Fi, IPTV, CCTV, Access Control, Audio, Video, Broadcasting , Digital Assets / Transformation, Cyber Security and Innovative Technologies.

Some of the key objectives of the role is to identify and evaluate new and emerging IT technologies, innovations, digital strategies and service delivery models and provide appropriate strategic advice to key stakeholders, CEO and the Board at the Melbourne Cricket Club.

Innovating the Future of Sports Tech

As GM of IT & Innovation, I am responsible for the Strategic directions, Innovation and Operations of the IT & Innovation department and the management of the Smart Stadium platform, which includes, a fully Converged Network, Stadium Wide Wi-Fi, IPTV, CCTV, Audio, Video, Broadcasting, Digital Assets/ Transformation, Cyber Security and emerging Technologies.

Some of the key objectives of the role is to identify and evaluate new and emerging IT technologies, Cyber risks,

digital strategies and service delivery models and provide appropriate strategic advice to key stakeholders, so my typical day varies from dealing with day-to-day operational issues to briefing the CEO & the Board on Technology initiatives / strategies.

My approach to driving digital innovation has always been to prioritise the end user/stakeholder as the focus of every business case by ensuring engagement and collaboration with the whole of business and to demonstrate real value. In my experience, digital innovation excels in our environment because collaboration is encouraged throughout the organisation and is not seen solely driven by the Information technology department.

As GM of it & innovation, i am responsible for the strategic directions, innovation and operations of the IT & innovation department and the management of the smart stadium platform

My leadership style is not to take a technology solution to the business in the first instance but to engage with the business as a whole and understand their operations, objectives and pain points before coming up with a solution, that delivers real value. I also like to take the business on the journey in arriving at the end solution, so there is greater adoption and ownership by the business.

Collaboration Fuels Innovation

I think one of the biggest misconception about innovation in sports is the understanding of the importance and criticality of innovative technology solutions that helps in the success of teams and stadium operations. In recent times we have seen advancements, such as wearable devices for player performance monitoring to AI-driven analytics for game strategies, fan attendance modelling, fan engagement, ingress / egress modelling and other operational efficiencies. We at the MCG have transformed the way we plan and operate our venue, leveraging off data analytics, enhanced by AI and machine learning, which has led to better fan experience for those attending events.

My advice for anyone in this field is to challenge the status quo and to engage with your broader business to get a good understanding of operations, so that you earn the respect of the business which makes implementing Innovative solutions a lot easier. With so many emerging solutions on offer, it is an exciting field to be part of.