Emma is an experienced C Suite Leader in the technology sector, recently retiring after 30 years with Accenture. Emma fulfilled a broad range of roles during those 30 years, ranging from developer, architect, client lead and CTO and spent the last 5 years on the global management committee and leading its global platform business. Emma is on the digital advisory board of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, spent 3 years as the chairperson of Avanade and was included in the Computing Weekly Hall of Fame in 2024

A Data and AI Leader with 25 years of experience working across the industry, innovating with data and how it can be used to improve outcomes, quality and efficiency. At UST Heather works with FTSE-100 companies in the financial services, retail, manufacturing and logistics, advising on AI strategy and building associated implementation programmes. A recognised AI Thought Leader, Heather has appeared on the BBC, Sky News, and numerous national and international news publications including The Guardian, Financial Times and Economic Times. A member of the Responsible AI Group at the Intellectual Forum, Jesus College, Cambridge, with her UST colleague Dr. Adnan Masood, she is co-author of the 2023 book Responsible AI in the Enterprise, a guide to how to succeed with AI in business safely, fairly and ethically. She is speaking about AI innovation and ethics at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2025. Heather has worked at a senior level as a Statistician and Data Scientist in government, the wider public sector and industry. With expertise in the health, retail, telecommunications, insurance and finance domains, she loves problem-solving and innovating with real-world challenges. She is as comfortable doing this within large enterprises and academia as within start-ups and incubators. An effective team builder, Heather pioneered the development of multi-disciplinary data science teams within the UK public sector.  With a love for learning Heather, is also passionate about helping others to develop their skills and expertise. She is an advocate for democratising AI as well as achieving greater diversity in those who develop it.https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherldawe

Ian Golding is a global Chief Information Officer with over 20 years of experience leading digital transformation across private, public, and non-profit sectors. Recently he has been the Interim CIO at APEM Group, a leading ecological sustainability firm. Ian has held interim CIO roles at Landsec, Unite, and SThree, and served as CIO and Equity Partner at Anthesis Group and ERM Group, the world’s largest dedicated sustainability consultancy. At the Natural History Museum, he developed a technology strategy supporting both scientific research and planetary conservation. Ian’s commitment to sustainability is further reflected in his role at the RNLI, where he crafted a technology vision aimed at preventing drowning. Across his diverse career, Ian has driven transformative change by leveraging his expertise in complex technology, people, and operations through a C-suite lens. He also provides private equity investment advice, mentors C-level leaders and tech founders, and serves on boards. A Fellow of multiple institutions, Ian actively mentors and invests in digital startups to promote innovation.

James Whitebread is a seasoned technology executive with over 25 years of experience in IT enablement and transformation across various industry verticals. Holding a BSc (Hons) in Business Information Systems and an expected MBA in Business Administration by 2025, he is a member of the British Computer Society (MBCS) and a Chartered IT Professional (CITP). James has been recognized in the CIO100 list in both 2022 and 2023 for his strategic IT leadership and expertise in product, technology development, and transformation. Throughout his career, James has held pivotal roles in numerous organizations, demonstrating a strong ability to bridge the gap between IT, digital, and business needs. His professional journey includes significant positions such as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) & Integration Director at Hotelbeds, Beyond The Beds, London, where he led the transformation of the company through technology integration and infrastructure modernization. He was instrumental in merging multiple business units into a central IT services model, enhancing cyber security, and supporting the company's growth towards private equity and IPO readiness. At the Royal Opera House in London, James served as CTO and Executive Director, where he led a comprehensive transformation program that spanned front-of-house digital services to core technology environments. His efforts resulted in new customer-facing digital experiences, upgraded enterprise applications, and the implementation of AI and video capture technologies. James also expanded the technology team significantly to support this transformation and established governance processes for GDPR and data compliance. As Chief Digital Officer (CDO) and CTO at Telestream/Masstech Innovations, James was tasked with integrating two previously independent teams and transitioning the company from a traditional software business to a SaaS-based model. His leadership facilitated a profitable exit strategy for the private equity investors, engaging with high-profile clients such as Lucasfilm, Disney, and CBS. In addition to his executive roles, James has contributed to the success of various organizations, including MarcoPolo Learning, UI Centric, and Technicolor, where he led technology and product strategies, oversaw international IT operations, and supported global clients like FIFA and UEFA. James's professional credentials are complemented by a suite of certifications, including Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Amazon Developer Associate, and Google Cloud Associate, among others. His technical proficiencies encompass business transformation, cloud computing, AI technologies, and media management, showcasing his versatility and commitment to continuous improvement. James Whitebread's career is marked by his passion for technology and his ability to lead high-value product development and technical innovation, consistently exceeding targets and driving organizational efficiency and performance. His leadership style is characterized by empowering teams, fostering strong interpersonal relationships, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement in IT.

Jennifer Cox is a cybersecurity leader with over 19 years of experience, recognised for her dedication to advancing diversity and mentorship in the tech industry. As Director for Ireland at WiCyS UK & Ireland Affiliate, she is a passionate advocate for empowering future cybersecurity professionals and fostering a more inclusive tech landscape. Her accolades, including the Unsung Heroes Award for Leadership, Stevie Awards and PCR’s Top 25 Women in Tech, underscore her impact and commitment. Jennifer’s speaking engagements at global conferences and her active mentorship roles reflect her mission to create a secure digital world and drive meaningful change within the cybersecurity community.

John Leonard is Group Research Director for the Enterprise Technology Group at Incisive Media. He has designed and conducted research studies and analyses covering many of the aspects of business technology that are driving the way we live and work today.

Head of Software Delivery at Mobilize Financial Services, with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry. I began my career as a software engineer, have worked with a diverse range of coding languages and technologies. Currently, leading high-performing teams in developing cutting-edge software solutions for the finance industry. I’m passionate about fostering the next generation of women in tech, I actively organise and participate in tech events at work, joining panels, and attending networking events to encourage more women to pursue careers in technology.

Penny is Associate Editor at Computing and focuses mainly on diversity in tech and sustainability content. She has more than a decade of content creation experience and specialises in long form feature content.

Stuart Sumner is Global Vice President – Content of The Channel Company. Previously he spent 10 years as a programme manager in the IT industry, working for companies such as the BBC, COLT, Nortel Networks and Equant. As a journalist he has also worked for Time Out and IPC Media. He is a regular technology pundit and contributor to the BBC News Channel, as well as a published author.

Terry Willis is a Technology and Cyber Leader who transforms IT departments like a magician with a hard hat—turning chaos into coordinated, streamlined tech ecosystems. Known for his “pragmatic approach,” Terry doesn’t just manage risk; he wrestles it into submission while keeping the board and budget smiling. From the Church of England to leading interim roles across financial services, media, and, most recently, Government, Terry is the kind of person you call when your IT Operations need a shakeup or a rescue mission.

Tom is the Editor for Computing, where he has been covering the UK IT market since 2017. He is an industry veteran, writing his first tech story back in the mists of 2011, and specialises in covering topics around sustainable IT, diversity and Web3 developments like blockchain and the metaverse. Tom regularly chats to leading IT professionals around the world, from companies both large and small - including Microsoft, Kellog's, Trainline, the Met Office and Mars. He is always on the lookout for the newest market trends that affect IT leaders in the UK and worldwide. Tom has previously written for a variety of B2B titles, including those serving the jewellery, pet and funeral industries - and yes, he's heard all the jokes. Often spotted with a notebook, grumbling about the Oxford comma.

Tom Clark is Chief Technology Officer within the Ardonagh Group, which provides insurance services in 22 countries with 10,000 employees. Previously, Tom has been Chief Information Officer and IT Director in large financial services organisations operating globally. He is also a Non-Executive Director and advisory board member for a number of organizations, including the British Computer Society. He has been recognised regularly in a number of Global 100 CIOs, UK CIO100, and Top 100 Technology Leaders lists, and he won Chief Technology Officer of the Year in 2024. Tom is qualified with a bachelor's degree in business studies and a master's degree in IT management, and he is a Chartered IT Professional and a Fellow of the British Computer Society.

Victor Onyenagubom is a Lecturer in Cybersecurity at Teesside University and a global speaker at high-profile tech conferences, Victor shares insights on AI-driven and cloud-powered cybersecurity solutions, as well as other emerging technologies. His expertise in cloud engineering, cybersecurity, research, and community service underscores his dedication to helping others navigate and secure the digital world, positioning him as a respected voice in both academia and the tech community. As a Lead IT Trainer with CodeYourFuture, he empowers refugees and asylum seekers by teaching essential digital and cybersecurity skills. In addition, he serves as an industry reviewer for the Centre for Finance, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (CFTE) in London, providing expert feedback on cutting-edge programs in cybersecurity. Victor is also a cybersecurity consultant with CybAid, where he volunteers to help charities strengthen their cybersecurity defenses, showcasing his dedication to making a difference in both the tech industry and underrepresented communities.