MEET THE 2025 JUDGES

Engineering Lead for Project IDX
Google

I serve as the CTO at Unbound Venture Capital. I've been building software and software teams for two decades at Google, Twitter, Zynga, Thought works and Intel. I consider myself a specialist in building developer tools and facing the wrath of unhappy developers around the world. 

Sr. Enterprise Architect
Georgia- Pacific

Chalamayya Batchu is an experienced Senior Enterprise Architect and dynamic leader specializing in Data Strategy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Business Intelligence (BI). His passion lies in utilizing technology to drive business value and foster innovation. With a strong background in designing and implementing enterprise-scale data and analytics architectures, he excels in crafting data strategies that empower organizations to extract valuable insights from complex data sets leveraging cloud and AI. He is currently serving as a trusted advisor to CXOs and senior executives at Georgia-Pacific and collaborates closely with business stakeholders to align data strategies with their specific objectives. He also provides guidance on establishing robust data governance policies, defining data quality standards, and implementing effective data security protocols. In the realm of cloud and AI, he offers invaluable insights on integrating AI technologies, such as ML and NLP, into an organization's data architectures using cloud infrastructure.

Research Director
Computing

John Leonard is responsible for the setting up and running qualitative and quantitative surveys for Computing Research's clients in order to assess the opinions and experiences of IT professionals on issues important to the industry, such as cloud computing, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) and the IT decision making process as a whole.

Associate Editor
Computing

Penny Horwood joined Computing as Associate Editor in 2022 after having been a freelance contributor and researcher for more than a decade, and one of the most prolific white paper writers in the industry. Penny's enthusiastic and consistent championing of increased diversity in tech stems from her own early career experiences as a young salesperson, a deep understanding of the structural and skills related challenges that UK tech faces and a strong interest in sociological research. Penny also writes and researches tech sustainability, and has a finely honed ability to see though greenwash. She reads the ESG reports so you don't have to.

Chief Content Officer
Computing
Principal Technology Program manager
Oracle

Syed Mohamed Thameem Nizamudeen is a distinguished Information Technology leader with a rich history of leadership roles at Oracle, Ernst & Young (EY), and PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC). His expertise lies in cloud computing, cloud security, big data, machine learning, AI, and Application Modernization, where he applies his vast knowledge to pioneer innovative solutions. Syed has worked with C-Suite executives of Fortune 100 firms in the past advising them on their Application Modernization efforts in aspects of IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, Cloud Security, Multi-cloud, Internet Of Things during his tenure with reputed technology Advisory firms PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young. Syed is committed to advancing technology's role in shaping the business landscape. Syed can be reached at smthameem@gmail.com.

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. But Terry’s expertise doesn’t end at fireproofing tech systems and saving money (millions, no less). He’s also a mentor, certified Mental Health First Aider, and a judge for the UK’s top IT awards, like this one. In his free time, when he isn’t out securing the cyber fort, you’ll find him unwinding with rugby (watching, not playing—no risk there) and a bit of music and theatre.

Senior Software Engineer
Service Now

Over the past decade, Tharun has worked on diverse projects across telecommunications, healthcare (focusing on Continuous Glucose Monitoring), automotive, and SAAS, consistently enhancing user experiences. While rooted in mobile application development, he has embraced technologies like AI, Machine Learning, IoT, Wearables, and AR to deliver intuitive, efficient, and innovative solutions.

Tharun prioritises exceeding customer expectations, transforming software into an integral part of users’ lives. His work in healthcare has empowered individuals to manage their health effectively, while his contributions to the automotive sector have advanced driving experiences and sustainability.

Proud of his achievements, Tharun remains committed to creating groundbreaking solutions that redefine user engagement and satisfaction.

Editor
Computing

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, Kellogg'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 jewelry, pet and funeral industries - and yes, he's heard all the jokes. Often spotted with a notebook, grumbling about the Oxford comma.

Chief Digital & Technology Officer
Save the Children

Trevor Gordon is an award winning (Computing Top 100 Leaders 2024 & Global CIO 100 2024) customer-centric digital, technology and transformation leader who consistently delivers results through innovative use of customer insight, data, AI, and technology to drive game-changing growth, improvements, and efficiencies. Currently Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Save the Children, he has a proven record of driving complex transformation (people, process, tech) and operational leadership for several world-class global businesses such as Diageo, Vodafone, Sodexo, Vue Entertainment & Autotrader.

He has extensive experience with open innovation and start-ups, combining a passion for disruptive technologies with a deep understanding of how new digital business models, ecosystems, platforms, AI, data/analytics & SaaS converge to drive transformation. Recent focus has been on driving transformation by developing new experiences, operations, strategies, propositions, products, services, and new business models for the digital age.