Expert Corner with Dirk Killius - Head of Cloud Operations & Corporate IT at eddyson 

When it comes to Cloud Operations & Corporate IT, Dirk Killius is a true expert. As co-founder of eddyson, he not only helped build the infrastructure from the ground up, but continues to ensure that our systems remain reliable, secure, and high performing. His expertise ranges from hardware and networking to EDI project management, optimization of modern cloud solutions, IT security and infrastructure management 

In this interview, Dirk shares what his day looks like, the key skills required for his job, and why he wouldn't mind spending a day in the sales department. 

What does a typical day look like for you?

"My day usually starts with checking our cloud solutions to make sure everything is running smoothly. This involves monitoring processes, analyzing logs and checking the performance of our cloud infrastructure. There are often meetings throughout the day, either to discuss ongoing projects or to coordinate technical requirements.

A big part of my job is working with my team to continuously develop and optimize our cloud solutions. It's not just about scalability and performance improvements, but also security, automation and cost optimization. Ensuring the quality of the solutions we deliver to our customers is always a top priority. Topics such as IT service management frameworks, business continuity management and performance management are key elements of our daily work.

My goal is to ensure that our cloud solutions are not only reliable, but also flexible and efficient, both for our internal operations and, more importantly, for our customers."

What are the most important skills in your role?

"Enjoying what you do is a key factor for success, in my opinion. Just as important is having solid technical expertise. A deep understanding of cloud architecture and infrastructure, as well as network and system administration, is essential. But commitment and a willingness to go the extra mile also play a big role."

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in IT?

"In my experience, an IT job can be time consuming, but if you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work. Theoretical knowledge is important, but the real skills come from hands-on projects, overcoming challenges and solving real-world problems. Starting early with personal IT projects or internships provides valuable insight and helps build targeted skills. Technical and problem-solving skills are essential. It is not just about understanding systems, it is about finding creative solutions to complex challenges.

The IT field is extremely dynamic and diverse, so it is worth focusing on specific areas and developing expertise. And since technology is constantly evolving, lifelong learning should be a given, whether through training, certifications, or regular interaction with other experts."

As a co-founder, you experienced the early days of eddyson first hand. What shaped you the most during that time?

"As employee number two and a co-founder of eddyson, the early years were an incredibly exciting time. We faced the challenge of turning a vision into a successful company, with all the opportunities and hurdles that entails.

What I loved most was the freedom to make decisions and actively drive the company forward. Every day brought new challenges, but that's what made it so interesting. It is also great to see how our team has grown over the years and how we've built a culture based on innovation and a healthy dose of pragmatism."

What aspects of your role at eddyson excite you the most?

"As Head of Cloud Operations and Corporate IT, I play a key role in the company. My role gives me the freedom to independently plan and implement improvements and enhancements to our on-premises and cloud infrastructure to ensure we deliver world-class services to our customers, both internally and externally. Together with a growing team, I am responsible for the strategic planning and scaling of the company's IT and cloud infrastructure, optimizing operational efficiency and ensuring availability and performance."

If you could step into another employee's shoes for a day, what role would you take on and why?

"Honestly, I haven't given it much thought because I really enjoy my own role. But if I had to choose, I would probably try a day in sales. With my technical background, I could bring an interesting perspective to customer needs and perhaps explain the benefits of our cloud platform from a different angle. I also find it exciting to work directly with customers and understand the real-world challenges they face.

What is your secret to managing a stressful workday?

"The key is to not let the stress get to you. In my role, staying calm and collected is crucial because panic often leads to mistakes. I have learned over the years that staying grounded is powerful, and I refine this approach every day. Over time, you develop a sense of when it is important to act quickly and when it is better to stop and find the best solution.

Where are we most likely to find you in your free time?

"I am really into sports, so you can usually find me active. Running, cycling and weight training are my favorites."

Do you have a professional role model or someone who inspires you? If so, who and why?

"That is an easy one: Steve Jobs. I have followed Apple's journey from the beginning and admire his vision. He showed how innovation and design can come together to create amazing products. Sadly, he left us far too soon."