For over 30 years, Josée-Anne Gillé-Gretsch has embodied the evolution of IT at SUDenergie. Hired in 1989 as the company’s first IT specialist, she witnessed the transformation from an era of large floppy disks and a single PC across the organisation to a sophisticated and connected IT infrastructure. Now leading a team of eight, she oversees the digital management of customer data, system security, and supports the digital transformation of a company classified as a critical national infrastructure.
From humble beginnings to strategic infrastructure
“When I started, IT was still part of the accounting department, and many people didn’t take me seriously,” recalls Josée-Anne Gillé. At the time, the company had just one central Ericsson mainframe and a single standalone PC.
Gradually, the department took shape. In 2004, IT officially became an independent service, separate from accounting, marking a key milestone in its development:
- Internal network established in the 1990s, initially within accounting, then gradually extended to other departments.
- Centralisation of external billing for gas customers and development of a bespoke Cobol application on a Siemens mainframe.
- Adoption of SAP in 1998 for accounting and inventory management, followed by SAP-ISU in 2004 to meet energy sector needs, requiring a major data migration.
- Launch of the customer portal in 2015, allowing users to view consumption and invoices online.
- Deployment of a mobile app in 2015 to support the replacement of traditional gas meters with smart meters.
- Development of interfaces with external partner systems.
With the rise of digital technologies, IT evolution at SUDenergie also meant changes in team training. “We used to attend external courses. Today, with the growth of online learning and new practices, we favour internal training,” explains Josée-Anne Gillé.
When major changes are made to the IT infrastructure, they are implemented directly with external consultants. “It’s hands-on training. The consultant works alongside our team during implementation, we configure together, discuss possible optimisations, and document every step to ensure effective knowledge transfer.”

The digitalisation of the energy market has reshaped SUDenergie’s internal processes. “With the addition of electricity to our services in 2023, we had to adapt all our systems: pricing, billing, energy purchasing forecasts, and management of renewable energy sold by our customers,” says Josée-Anne Gillé. The implementation of various scenarios for energy production, distribution, and billing has reinforced IT’s central role in the company.
In this context, cybersecurity has become a top priority. As a critical player in the energy sector, SUDenergie must comply with the EU’s NIS directive and undergo regular audits by the Luxembourg Institute of Regulation (ILR).
“In 2017, we had to start conducting risk analyses, drafting information security policies, and documenting procedures to ensure infrastructure and customer data security. It’s a huge task, but absolutely essential,” she emphasises.
To meet these challenges, the department modernised its entire infrastructure:
- Replacement of servers and archiving systems, with systematic data encryption.
- Gradual migration of services to the cloud, including the switch from Office to Microsoft 365 and Teams.
- Implementation of advanced cybersecurity solutions, with the integration of a dedicated specialist.

One major ongoing project is the full migration of telephony to Teams, replacing the traditional switchboard with an integrated solution suited to remote work. “Landlines are disappearing: calls now go through the Teams app, allowing employees to stay connected wherever they are,” says Josée-Anne Gillé.
Another key initiative is migrating SAP to a cloud version, a transition requiring careful planning. “All our historical data is still stored internally. Moving to the cloud will improve efficiency, but it’s a technically complex project,” she admits.
Meanwhile, the department continues to optimise and integrate digital processes:
- Implementation of electronic signatures on the customer portal, website, and contracts.
- Integration of SAP with LENEDA, the new national energy data management platform.
- Strengthening cybersecurity against emerging threats.
A pioneering career
From a young age, Josée-Anne Gillé knew she wanted to work in a technical field. “I went to a science-focused secondary school, and we already had computers at home. I’ve always been passionate about IT,” she shares. She chose to study Applied IT at the Luxembourg Institute of Technology.
One of the projects she’s most proud of is the 2004 migration to SAP-ISU. “I prepared all the data from the Cobol application myself with the consultants, and we completed the transition in record time. It was a huge technical and organisational challenge.”
After more than three decades leading IT at SUDenergie, Josée-Anne Gillé is preparing to pass the torch. “When I started, I was alone. Today, we’re eight and have structured a vital service for the company,” she says proudly.
Her journey is also that of a pioneer: the company’s first female IT specialist, she had to establish herself in a male-dominated field. “At university, there were three women out of 55 students. It was still a very male domain. Professors even highlighted us to encourage other female students to follow this path!” she recalls with a laugh.
Curious and passionate, she has adapted to constant changes in the field: from 5¼-inch floppy disks to advanced cybersecurity, from isolated PCs to cloud infrastructures. “You have to love learning, reading, exchanging ideas with colleagues. Training never stops in IT.”
And after IT? “I love nature and animals, gardening, hiking, cycling… and I have a house to renovate. That should keep me busy!” she jokes.
SUDenergie’s IT Department will continue to play a key role in the company’s future. Securing, modernising, innovating: three strategic pillars for the years ahead.