Lina

Code, Team, and Career: Lina’s Journey in IT Development
“Sometimes I jokingly say that I run a creative workshop where masterpieces are born from code, not paint,” says Lina Adomonienė with a smile, the Head of IT Development at Ignitis Group, as she begins her story.
Under Lina’s leadership, the team has nearly tripled in size over a few years and has already delivered several significant projects. From self-service systems to agile IT solutions that enhance user experience, this team develops tools that transform everyday life for both colleagues and clients.
From an Idea to a Growing Team
The IT Development department has grown from 56 to 156 people. This growth was driven by the ambition to develop projects in-house and by the launch of the Ignitis Solar Parks project. It was the first IT project built entirely with internal resources. “Back then, a small team of business and IT colleagues came together. We worked using the Agile methodology and started developing a self-service platform,” Lina recalls.
The project brought an important insight: having in-house expertise is far more effective than relying on external suppliers. “This way, we can control processes, monitor quality, and create solutions that genuinely address real customer needs,” Lina says.
Speed – A Necessity, Not a Luxury
The IT Development team is responsible not only for creating new systems but also for their maintenance, integration, and data flow management. One example is when, during the summer, some residents experienced losses due to electricity supply disruptions. The team swiftly adapted the ESO self-service system so that customers could submit compensation claims more easily and smoothly.
There’s no room for perfectionism here — what matters most is a working solution, not a perfectly polished surface. “IT projects are never 100% complete. There’s always something to improve,” says Lina, adding with a smile, “Whenever I see a newly built bridge, I wonder — do they really update it on time, the way we constantly update our systems?”
What Qualities Matter Most in the IT Team?
According to Lina, the most important qualities in IT development are curiosity, adaptability, and a desire to create. It can be tough for a perfectionist here, but for a creative problem solver, it’s an ideal place. “The questions I ask during interviews help me understand whether a person can navigate uncertainty and take ownership of results,” she explains.
Openness and Cakes
Lina firmly believes that openness is the foundation of any team. “A real team is one that celebrates together and grieves together. Honest feedback is the most valuable tool for growth, even when it stings a little.”
She herself never liked the ‘sandwich’ method of feedback, where criticism is hidden between two compliments: “Then you’re left wondering — did I do well or not?”
The team also has a fun tradition: every newcomer must bring a cake — not once, but three times! When they start working, when they receive their first salary, and when they pass their probation period. “Sometimes, even if something doesn’t go well, everyone knows — we’ll just sit down and eat cake together,” Lina laughs.
An Internal Career – The Best Investment
Although Lina now leads a large department, in the beginning, she actually… tried to run away from IT. “I was working at an IT company but wanted to see how everything looks from the other side — from the perspective of the purchasing organization.” That’s how she ended up at the Group, where she took on the market liberalization project.
While working on that project, she got to know colleagues at the Technology and Innovation Center, who invited her to join their team. A few years later, Lina applied for the position of department head — and got it.
“Every stage has been a challenge, but also an opportunity. And when you feel ready for a change — start with your own backyard. You really can find greener grass here, within the Group,” says Lina.
This story isn’t just about career growth. It’s about the courage to create, embrace change, and combine technical solutions with human values. And, of course, about a team that knows how to launch a system — and bake a cake.