MEET THE 2025 JUDGES

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.

Senior Big Data Engineering Manager
Zoom Video Communications

Shinoy Bhaskaran is a highly sought-after Engineering Leader renowned for his niche expertise in architecting and designing robust Data Engineering and Big Data solutions tailored for industries managing Petabytes of large-scale data. With a comprehensive background in implementing end-to-end data engineering solutions, he excels in data instrumentation, pipeline development, and data science/ML, while adeptly managing enterprise data platforms and cloud applications.

Shinoy possesses a proven track record of solving complex enterprise challenges using cutting-edge AI and LLM frameworks. As a dynamic leader, he has successfully guided top-performing teams through global implementations, strategically leveraging resources to meet diverse business demands and deliver innovative technical solutions.

As a recognized thought leader in Data Engineering, Cloud technologies, and Data Governance, Shinoy is a published author who contributes to advancing industry knowledge and best practices. His insights are sought after in discussions surrounding data strategy and governance

Computing
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.