Don't underestimate the impact of people. They are usually way more important than tools. You won't automate the delivery if the IT Operations team won't help you. After all, they have the knowledge about the current process. The same applies to QAs, business, and everyone involved. Make them important and involved:
- Let QAs and IT operations be a part of the DevOps team. You need their knowledge and skills!
- Provide training to members that are currently doing manual activities so that they can move to automation.
- Favor informal communication and a flat structure of organization over hierarchy and orders. You won't do anything without goodwill!