What has it taken to thrive in the ever-evolving world of IT for nearly three decades? Just ask David Borosch, RYAM’s Director, IT SAP ERP, whose career reads like a masterclass in growth, resilience, and strategic transformation.
David’s journey began as a Programmer Analyst at RYAM during the height of the Y2K era when legacy systems loomed large and IT departments were laser-focused on ensuring business continuity. His early responsibilities included supporting critical applications like the payroll system, which required meticulous attention as the millennium approached. But David wasn’t one to simply maintain the status quo. From the very beginning, he saw every challenge as an opportunity to grow, to lead, and to evolve.
As his experience deepened, so did his responsibilities. He steadily rose through the ranks—first as a Project Leader, then as an End User Support Specialist, and later as an Application Support Manager. Eventually, he assumed his current role, overseeing global ERP projects and steering strategic IT initiatives. Among his many accomplishments, leading RYAM’s SAP S/4HANA deployment stands out as a major milestone—one that helped transform operations across continents.
What made David’s ascent so impactful wasn’t just his technical know-how; it was his shift in perspective. “To truly advance,” he reflects, “I had to evolve from a coder to a strategist.” This meant embracing not only project management and financial oversight but also mastering communication across global teams and aligning IT with broader business goals. It was this ability to connect the technical with the strategic that enabled him to lead high-stakes initiatives with confidence.
Throughout his career, RYAM played an essential role in his development. He was entrusted with complex, high-impact projects and given autonomy to lead with vision. Mentorship from senior leaders and collaboration with seasoned peers helped sharpen his leadership style. “The feedback and challenges from my mentors were instrumental in shaping who I am today,” he says.
Of course, no career journey is without its trials. David encountered his fair share of hurdles—from system migrations to the challenge of aligning global teams with different priorities. But his approach remained steady: transparent communication, structured planning, and a reliance on data-driven decision-making. A defining moment came when he led a cross-continental ERP initiative, coordinating both business and IT functions across North America and Europe. It was at that moment he realized his role had shifted from technical expert to strategic leader. He wasn’t just implementing systems—he was delivering real business outcomes.
Now, as a mentor himself, David encourages others to lean into discomfort and seize growth opportunities. “Volunteer for projects that scare you,” he advises. “They’re often the ones that shape you.” He emphasizes the importance of understanding the business beyond your own function and taking the initiative without waiting to be asked.
Even after 27 years, David’s drive didn’t wane. He’s focused on enhancing IT governance, strengthening cybersecurity, and preparing the next generation of IT leaders. He continues to explore advancements in analytics, automation, and leadership development. What’s most inspiring is that David doesn’t just reflect on the past—he looks forward with optimism and purpose.
“After 27 years,” he says with a smile, “I still feel like the best is yet to come.” His journey is proof that growth isn’t linear—it’s exponential when fueled by purpose, passion, and the right support.
