Disseminating Accounting Expertise throughout EdgeConneX's Corporate Structure
EdgeConneX's Chief Transformation Officer, Jen Zhan, Leads Digital Evolution
In today's bustling world of data center construction and operation, EdgeConneX has soared to new heights thanks in large part to the hard work of its dedicated team, including its long-standing finance guru, Joe Harar. But a recent shakeup in the ranks—the departure of Jen Zhan, EdgeConneX's former Chief Accounting Officer—presents a real-life example of the benefits that can come from spreading financial know-how across the entire organization. Now serving as the Chief Transformation Officer, Zhan's new role revolves around steering the company through its digital transformation, using her financial background to advise on data usage and drive change.
Jen Zhan's (JZ) New Gig
Given the critical role of data within the organization, Zhan's shift to the Chief Transformation Officer role largely stemmed from the need for finance-savvy guidance on data usage. With rapid change and growth sweeping throughout her industry, she believes her background in finance and accounting can provide a stable foundation for analyzing data that can then be applied to areas like product development and decision-making.
"The company's asking me to take up this role 'cause what worked for us in the past might not necessarily work the same way in the future," said Zhan. "When it comes to tech implementation and transformation in fast-growing businesses, we need to analyze moving data, adapt to those changes, and stay a few steps ahead of the market."
The Job
In this new capacity, Zhan's work involves meticulous research, understanding customer demands, and aligning the necessary parts of the organization to deliver successful projects at scale. Although the responsibilities share similarities with accounting, her role is more communication-focused.
"It's about putting effort into investigating and understanding how this platform can work, what people need to do, and all the dependencies involved. Then, it's about building a comprehensive system—with an additional satellite support system on top of that—to make sure everything works smoothly," explained Zhan. "I'm leading the research, while also communicating with engineers, the market enablement team, supporting customer conversations, and understanding the challenges that our clients face."
The Company Culture
The young age and innovative spirit of EdgeConneX, established in 2009, make it receptive to change and eager to embrace technology. "Being a fairly young company means we're motivated to innovate and embrace tech for ourselves, and that's exactly what the industry is going through right now," said Zhan. "This presents an opportunity for us to leverage that trend and continue our growth beyond the 28 countries we are currently working in."
Legacy and the Future
Although the challenges and pressure associated with stepping into a new role in unfamiliar territories can be daunting, Zhan has grown accustomed to taking on new challenges within the organization.
"I never want to get bored at work. Every three years, I try to find a way to do something different within the organization. Before, this meant working in various parts of the world, exploring different aspects of accounting, or handling FP&A responsibilities," Zhan said. "I took on the Chief Accounting Officer role for a while because it continually comes with change."
She added: "Now, I get to go back to working with real estate, like I did in previous roles, while also delving into technology—something I've grown fond of. I know many companies [of EdgeConneX's size] don't have a Chief Transformation Officer, so having my board recognize the need for one here and allowing me to fill the role is truly exciting."
This interview, conducted on Feb. 6, 2025 at SuiteConnect in New York City, sheds light on the evolving role of finance experts within rapidly transforming businesses like EdgeConneX.
1- Interesting InsightJen Zhan's transition from Chief Accounting Officer to Chief Transformation Officer showcases how financial expertise can merge seamlessly into broader strategic and transformative roles within a company. Her shift illustrates the potential value of leveraging finance talent in shaping a company's growth trajectory, while also making critical decisions related to technology adoption and business transformations.
2- Insightful Quote"The reason the company is asking me to take up this role is because what made us successful in the past might not necessarily work the same way in the future. We need to analyze moving data, react to those changes, and stay ahead of the market."— Jen Zhan, Chief Transformation Officer, EdgeConneX
3- Portfolio Evolution The role of Zhan as Chief Transformation Officer plays a crucial part in the evolution of EdgeConneX's portfolio, as her financial background enables her to provide keen insights into data analysis and drive changes that cater to the ever-changing market dynamics.
4- communication and collaboration Within her new role, Zhan's work primarily involves an increased focus on communication and collaboration with various departments, including engineers, the market enablement team, and clients, to ensure seamless integration of data-driven decisions across the organization.
5- Adaptability and Growth Jen Zhan's shift to the Chief Transformation Officer position is an unprecedented move in EdgeConneX, demonstrating the company's commitment to adaptability and growth in the rapidly transforming technological landscape, aiming to expand its footprint in the 28 countries it currently serves and beyond.
6- Career Progression Zhan's career progression within EdgeConneX exemplifies her drive for continuous learning and exploration, having transitioned from roles in real estate, accounting, to finance, and now technology, establishing herself as a versatile leader that delivers sustainable and innovative solutions.
7- Technology Adoption As the technology sector advances, it is essential for finance professionals like Zhan to stay at the forefront of the industry by embracing technology and using it as a tool for enhancing traditional financial expertise to drive strategic decision-making and growth.
8- Business Excellence EdgeConneX's dedication to cultivating business excellence is reflected in its nurturing of talent, such as Zhan's promotion to the Chief Transformation Officer role, creating an environment that encourages innovation, strategic thinking, and the development of a versatile workforce to sustain the company's presence and success in today's competitive market.
