Our board

Sheila Flavell CBE

techUK President, Chief Operating Officer, FDM Group

Sheila Flavell CBE is President of techUK, and both Chief Operating Officer and an Executive Board Director of FDM Group. She has spent 35 years operating within the international tech space. As a “woman returner”, Sheila is passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in today’s workplace. She founded the FDM Returners Programme in 2015, which has since helped over 550 men and women return to work after a career break.

As a prominent female tech leader, Sheila understands the importance of being a strong role model and mentor for women. She has been key in driving FDM’s global expansion programmes, as well as establishing the company’s listing on the FTSE 250 in 2017. Sheila continues to advise government committees on improving the digital skills shortage in the UK. Her work in championing gender diversity has helped FDM attain a zero gender pay gap consistently since reporting was introduced in 2017. She was awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2020 New Year’s Honours List, for services to gender equality in technology and services to graduate and returners’ employment.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Alex Towers

Director of Policy and Public Affairs, BT Group

Alex was appointed Director of Policy and Public Affairs for BT Group in November 2017.  He leads BT’s political strategy and its public policy work, both in the UK and around the world.

Before joining BT, Alex was the Director of the BBC Trust – the BBC’s regulator and governing body - from 2015 to 2017.  In that time, he helped to restore stability at the top of the BBC after a period of crisis; negotiated a new Royal Charter to sustain a strong, independent BBC in the form that the public want; and managed the process of change and transition to a new BBC governance structure, winding up the BBC Trust itself in the process.

Alex held earlier positions at the Trust as Head of Finance, Economics and Strategy and then as Deputy Director. He led the Trust’s work to assess the performance of BBC’s services, to approve and allocate budgets, to scrutinise value for money, and to assess BBC proposals for new services and activities. He oversaw its programme of audience research, data analysis and public consultation.  He also ran policy negotiations with Government officials and regulators.

In his earlier career, Alex was a civil servant at DCMS.  His work on media policy included the 2003 Communications Act, Ofcom’s first review of public service broadcasting and the BBC Charter Review that followed. He also helped to plan and deliver the 2012 Olympics.

He grew up in Yorkshire, and now lives in South East London with his wife and their four children.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Alex Yip

CTO, Puritan AI

Alex Yip is a forward-thinking Chief Technology Officer and recognised leader in AI, business transformation, and enterprise innovation. With over a decade of experience spanning both public and private sectors, Alex has delivered high-impact technology strategies across telecoms, AI consultancy, and national infrastructure programmes.

Currently CTO at Puritan AI, a UK-based consultancy helping SMEs adopt responsible and secure AI, Alex leads the development of omnichannel AI products that integrate advanced conversational AI with CRM and automation systems. Under his leadership, Puritan AI launched one of the UK’s first hybrid chatbot services and secured partnerships with several global agencies, aligning delivery with the highest standards of privacy, ethics, and regulatory compliance. The company holds Cyber Essentials certification and AI Management Practitioner accreditation and is a member of the MSDUK High Growth Programme.

Previously, Alex held several senior management and leadership roles at BT/EE, supporting major transformation initiatives at BT Group and driving over £200 million in savings across business, logistics, and operations.

Alex currently serves as Vice Chair of techUK’s AI & Data Analytics Leadership Committee and was elected to the Main Board of techUK in 2025. He is also a strategic adviser to Teens in AI, advocating for ethical and inclusive AI education. He has previously volunteered as a school governor, independent board member at Chelmsford Prison, and a youth team football coach.

An Oxford Saïd Business School graduate with a background in Global Business, Alex combines deep technical expertise with policy insight, data-driven decision-making, stakeholder influence, and a strong commitment to sustainable innovation.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, educated in Glasgow, Manchester, and Oxford, Alex now lives near London with his family, two cats, and a dog.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Aleyne Johnson

Senior Director of Government and External Relations, Samsung Electronics

Aleyne Johnson is Samsung Electronics' Senior Director of Government and External Relations.  

Samsung Electronics is one of the world’s largest tech companies, employing over 300,000 people around the globe, a fifth of whom work in R&D.  The UK is home to Samsung’s European operations, including its R&D centre, AI centre, and new King’s Cross tech venue, and is one Samsung's most important commercial and research markets.  Aleyne is responsible for leading Samsung's policy development across all business and technology issues and works with Government and a wide range of external stakeholders. He also helps promote UK trade with important tech nations around the world.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce and former Board member of the UK Government's Child Internet Safety Council (UKCCIS) and the Prince's Trust Technology Leadership Group.

Prior to joining Samsung, Aleyne held roles in the technology and telecoms sectors with Vodafone and Orange and, before that, in the financial services sector in the UK and Australasia. He also worked for the British Government. 

He lives in West London with his wife, two children and cat.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Andy Hague

CEO TechWM, Director 4TSec

Andy is the CEO of TechWM, an independent not-for-profit organisation that sits at the beating heart of the West Midlands tech sector acting as the voice of the region’s tech ecosystem. He is also the founder and director of 4TSec, a boutique cybersecurity advisory business.

Andy acted as CEO of The Cyberfort Group from starting the business with Private Equity backing in 2017 until the start of 2024 and continues to act as a Board Advisor to the business. Cyberfort was created from his idea to bring together the best of breed products and services in the field of data security by a combination of targeted acquisition , industry recruitment and organic build of market leading services and has grown to be one of the largest cyber services SME’s in the industry.

Prior to founding Cyberfort, Andy held a wide variety of roles across technology businesses and cybersecurity notably heading up the cybersecurity division of NCC Group in its early days and setting the foundations for the business to become a global player in the field.

In his early career Andy carried out the MBO of a software business and transformed it into a telecoms business operating in over 100 countries before selling the business to an AIM company in 2005.  This venture saw him receive a much respected Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

In January 2023 Andy helped set up the SME cybersecurity forum within TechUK that has now gained strong momentum and has seen him subsequently pick up the SME industry panel remit within the Cabinet Office for the rollout of Secure By Design.

Other current roles include sitting as a member of the Bank of England Decision Making Panel providing important industry data and feedback on a monthly basis to help shape the MPC policy decisions.

Outside of business and advisory roles, Andy is a passionate advocate of Neurodiversity inclusion and acceptance where he has always embraced the strong crossover with cybersecurity skills.

Andy lives outside Stratford upon Avon with his wife and two young children, one of whom is autistic and provides inspiration every day to help shape and improve the future life chances of neurodiverse individuals. This has served as a primary driver in moving to roles that allow him to promote and improve the tech skills and life chances of Neurodiverse individuals.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Charlotte Holloway

Charlotte is a former political adviser and has previously worked at Zoom Video Communications, the RSA, techUK and The Work Foundation.

She has served on the Smart London Board for the Mayor of London and completed a policy fellowship at the Centre of Science and Policy at the University of Cambridge.

She has previously been listed as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in IT by Computer Weekly. 

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Chris Francis

Director for Government Relations, SAP UK

Chris leads on all areas of policy and business support for SAP UK as well as covering a portfolio of EU issues.

Previously Chris has worked on technical regulatory affairs and policy matters in the UK and the EU for over ten years following a career in the UK Civil Service covering a wide range of trade and business policy issues as well as innovation support.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-francis-a06366/

Chris Hulm

Senior Director - Europe Government Engagement, Visa

Chris leads Visa’s public affairs team in the UK and Ireland. Previously, Chris was based at Visa’s Global HQ in San Francisco as a Director in the Global Policy team.

Prior to joining Visa in 2018, Chris held roles in the financial services policy team at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), as well as various advisory roles for MPs in Parliament.

Chris holds a degree in Government from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Daniela Menzky

Co-founder and Chair, Climate Essentials

Daniela Menzky is a serial entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the corporate sector across diverse industries and business models. Daniela held a number of senior Human Resources & Organisational Strategy roles in major blue chip organisations such as Kodak and Avon Cosmetics before moving into General Management as a Managing Director for HAVI Logistics, the world’s largest privately-owned food service logistics company, as well as small & medium size technology enterprises.

Following her successful corporate career, she co-founded and scaled several companies across Cybersecurity, IoT Communications, and Climate Mitigation. She is co-ceo of ANGOKA, a cyber security company and co-founder and chair of Climate Essentials, a startup helping organisations reach net zero via their data-driven multi-stakeholder software solution, Climate Essentials.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

David Price

Senior Account Director for Secure Government – MOD and Primes and GSI Partners, Exponential-e Group

David has worked with techUK for over 10 Years and is currently a member of the techUK AI and ML Working Group, and the techUK Cloud Leadership Committee.

David’s current Role involves engagement with many parts of the MOD as well as a strong working relationship with a number of Defence Primes. The Exponential-e Group have operated in the secure Government an NCI space for a number of decades and have an enviable reputation.

Prior to joining Exponential-e Group David held senior Roles in the Rackspace Public Sector Team, was Brand director for Health at UKCloud, Head of Healthcare for Veritas, Head of Sales for Europe for Performanta a cyber security specialist, Head of Central Government for Insight, Head of Public Sector for Commvault. David also established SCC’s GSI business in 1999. Prior to joining the IT industry in 1999 David was a Marine Engineer in the Royal Navy.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Dr Nicola Hodson

techUK Deputy President, Chair, IBM UK&I

Dr Nicola Hodson was appointed Chair, IBM UK and Ireland, in January 2025. Prior to taking on this role, Dr Hodson served as Chief Executive IBM UK and Ireland, a position she held for two years.

Dr Hodson is an accomplished technology industry leader with a deep understanding of the challenges facing the tech industry, as well as extensive experience in business and digital transformation. In 2023 and again in 2024, Dr Hodson ranked highly in Computer Weekly’s list of the 50 most influential people in UK technology, and in CRN’s 2024 A-List.

Dr Hodson held senior positions at Microsoft for 15 years, including as a global leader of the transformation of the Microsoft commercial sales, marketing and operations business and UK Chief Operating Officer covering its UK commercial and consumer business.

As Deputy President of techUK, the trade association for the IT industry, Dr Hodson has a wide breadth of experience and understanding of the tech sector, from large companies to start-ups, coupled with significant experience in the energy sector. She has extensive Board experience across multiple sectors, including Beazley plc, Drax Group plc, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). She has formerly served as a non-executive at Ofgem, the UK Council for Child Internet Safety, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) group, as a governor of Bradfield College, and as a director of start-up Bramble Energy.

Dr Hodson previously worked in the IT and business services division of Siemens, at CSC (now DXC), as a management consultant for EY and in the nuclear industry at BNFL.

Dr Hodson holds an MBA and a PhD in Engineering. She is married with three sons and two stepsons, loves outdoor pursuits and is a keen motorbike enthusiast.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Emma Kendrew

Technology Lead, UK, Ireland and Africa, Accenture

Emma Kendrew leads Accenture’s Technology business in the UK, Ireland and Africa. Emma has over 20 years of experience driving technology-powered business transformation with clients in retail, resources, government, and financial services. Throughout her tenure at Accenture she has played a lead role in establishing new centres to drive innovation, and built new practices including automation, AI, cloud and full-stack engineering.

Before leading Technology, Emma led Accenture’s Enterprise and Industry Technologies practice in UKI where she was focused on helping clients achieve enterprise-wide transformation, working closely with leading platform providers. In 2015 Emma was recognised as one of the UK’s exceptional young businesswomen in Management Today’s “35 Women Under 35”. She holds a degree in Geography from the University of Cambridge, and is passionate about the role of technology in sustainability, diversity and regional opportunity.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Georgina O'Toole

Chief Analyst, TechMarketView

Georgina O'Toole is Chief Analyst at TechMarketView, a role that encompasses thought leadership and business development.

Georgina joined TechMarketView as a Research Director for PublicSectorViews in February 2010. She is a respected industry analyst known for her commentary on the UK software and IT services market and for her in depth knowledge of the public sector, having primarily focused on the sector for the last 20 years.

Before joining TechMarketView, Georgina was Practice Leader for Ovum’s Geographies & Industries practice (alongside Tola Sargeant) where she was responsible for Ovum’s government research globally.

As an analyst at Ovum Holway from 2000, Georgina had previously worked closely with both enterprise and vendor clients providing advice and opinion on the UK software and IT services market. She was instrumental in the launch of Ovum’s well-respected PublicSector@Ovum research programme in 2004 and went on to focus her research on the UK central government, defence and criminal justice markets. As a lead analyst in these sectors, Georgina’s opinion was valued by a variety of clients including IT services companies, major defence contractors and the UK Ministry of Defence.

Prior to joining Ovum, Georgina was a business analyst for CMG (now Logica) working for a variety of clients in the transport & logistics and telecoms sectors.

Georgina has a BSc in Management Sciences from the University of Southampton.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Heather Cook

CEO, Wellmind Health

Heather has over 25-years’ experience in leading major public sector change management programmes and transforming services through digital innovation in the health and social care market. Her focus on digital mental health treatments has been forged over the last 10 years through founding and leading pioneering digital health businesses. 

She has served on NHS England's SME Commercial Advisory Board and on techUK's Health and Social Care Council, promoting public and private investment into the sector and working to influence Government policy to break down commercial and behavioural barriers and promote a new era in how we support those living with a wide variety of neurodiverse and mental health conditions and chronic pain.

Heather was appointed as CEO of Wellmind Health in 2024, after chairing the company’s Advisory Board, where she leads its evidence-based programs for better mental health, pain management and addiction recovery. She launched the Wellmind Workplace service to address the unmet needs of employees, those seeking employment and employers, supporting people struggling with mental health and chronic pain to enter the workforce or stay in work and thrive.  

Heather is a vocal champion of the role of digital innovation in transforming patient outcomes and boosting productivity across the UK. She is a passionate advocate of the adoption and integration of evidence-based, data-driven digital therapeutic treatments to the benefit of individuals, healthcare services, companies and society as a whole.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Jacqueline de Rojas CBE

techUK President Emeritus, Chair, Bletchley Park Trust & Institute of Coding

techUK Board Member and President Emeritus | Chair Bletchley Park Trust & Chair Institute of Coding | Portfolio Non Exec Director, Business Mentor and Advocate for Inclusion.

"If we are to thrive in a digital future, we must ensure that all our voices heard when it comes to designing technology. If we do not, we will create a world that does not work for everybody.

And as we build this digital world, the need to stay safe is heightened as our dependency to live and work online increases. Competitive advantage will come from teams that look outwards not inwards and therefore businesses that build a culture of inclusion and maximise their security posture"

Voted the Most Influential Woman in IT 2015 and Included in World’s 100 most influential people in digital government 2019: Woman of the Year awarded by Women in IT Excellence 2019, 2020 Asian Tech Pioneer, named in 2021 Connected Britain’s Top 100 Influencers and Stroeous Award Winner: Global Positive Impact Leader of the Year 2021. Listen to her life and music choices on Desert Island Discs podcast March 2019.

Jacqueline was appointed as a CBE in the Queen’s Honours List of 2018 and was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree by the University of Bath in 2019.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Jonathan Cowan

Chief of Staff, Sage

Jon is Chief of Staff at Sage, a member of the Sage Executive Leadership Team and runs the functions of Strategy, Transformation, and Corporate Development. Jon has a decade of experience at Sage in its UK, European, Marketing, Product, and Global functions, and a background in product & marketing leadership roles in Tech & Telecoms at Skype, T-Mobile and One2One.

Passionate about technology, digitisation an growth (And mountains where he can usually be found outside of work).

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Jay Chinnadorai

techUK Vice President of Operations, Senior Board Advisor, Informetis

Jay Chinnadorai is a Senior Board Advisor at Informetis Europe and Japan. Informetis is an AI based IoT solutions provider focused on the energy and smart health sectors. Jay is also Founder and Managing Director of Sumtotal, a strategy, product and business development consultancy. Sumtotal was established in 2004 and provides pragmatic and effective customer-centric solutions in the converging sectors of Smart Energy, IoT, Mobile and Digital Media solutions. In addition, Jay is a Crown Representative at the Cabinet Office.

Prior to founding Sumtotal, Jay was Vice President of Sony Europe responsible for different business units including Mobile Phones, Digital TV and Mobile Service Provider Business. Before joining Sony, Jay worked at Thomson Consumer Electronics as Marketing Director of its UK and Ireland Operations.

Jay has an MBA from Manchester Business School (MBA) and a BSc (First Class Hons) in Electronic Engineering from University College London. He is a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Marketors. He is also a Business Leader of the Marketing Society.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Jonathan Freeman

Chief Strategy & Regulatory Officer, Cellnex UK

Jonathan Freeman serves as Chief Strategy & Regulatory Officer for Cellnex UK, where he leads the company’s strategy development, regulatory affairs, public affairs, and ESG activity. His remit also includes driving growth through in-country M&A, forging strategic partnerships and alliances, and advancing early-stage innovation. 

Previously, Jonathan headed the delivery function at Cellnex UK, overseeing customer installations and infrastructure upgrades for the UK’s mobile network operators during their 5G rollouts. 

Before joining Cellnex UK, Jonathan held senior positions at Arqiva across strategy, product development, and commercial disciplines. He led programmes that achieved the UK’s first large-scale deployment of small cells and conducted the country’s first 5G Fixed Wireless Access trial. 

Earlier in his career, Jonathan worked as a management consultant, advising leading telecoms, media, and regulatory organisations, including the BBC and Ofcom. 

Jonathan holds a BSc in Management, Operations and Technology from the University of Manchester. Outside of work, he enjoys triathlons, mountaineering, and a variety of outdoor pursuits. He is married with two children. 

Julian Cracknell

Chief Technology & Information Officer, BAE Systems

Julian Cracknell is Chief Technology & Information Officer for BAE Systems. Previously, Julian held a number of senior roles in the Company’s cyber security business including the position of Managing Director Applied Intelligence. Julian joined BAE Systems in July 2012.

Prior to joining BAE Systems, Julian worked at Logica in a number of roles including Director of National Security and Business Unit Manager for Defence Systems.

Julian has a First Class Honours Degree in Computer Science from the University of Dundee and is a trustee of Naomi House, a children’s hospice in Hampshire, UK.

When not at work Julian enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, reading and keeping fit.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Julian David OBE

CEO, techUK

Julian David is the CEO of techUK, the leading technology trade association that aims to realise the positive outcomes that digital technology can achieve for People, Society, the Economy and the Planet.

He leads techUK’s 100+ strong team representing 1,100+ British based tech companies, comprising global and national champions and more than 600 SMEs and ScaleUP companies. techUK is the voice of the tech industry in the UK with 21 member led programmes covering all of tech from ‘Chips to Clicks’ and addressing 11 market sectors from Defence and Central Government, through to Health, Consumer Electronics and Financial Services.

In 2021 techUK launched TechSkills, the employer-led accreditation organisation that aims to improve the flow of talent into the digital workforce and open up access for all to high value tech jobs.

Julian represents techUK on a number of external bodies including the Digital Economy Council, the National Cyber Security Advisory Council and the Department of Business and Trade’s Strategic Trade Advisory Group. He is member of the NTA Advisory Board of DIGITALEUROPE and is a member of the Board of the Health Innovation Network the South London Academic Health Science Network.

Julian has over thirty years of experience in the technology industry. Prior to joining techUK, he had a series of leadership roles at IBM including Vice President for Small and Medium Business and Public Sector. After leaving IBM he worked as a consultant helping tech SMEs establish successful operations in the U.K. His personal interests include Football (West Ham, Balham FC and Real Madrid) and Art.

Email:

[email protected]

Twitter:

@techUKCEO

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-david-8013b817/

Julia Rowe

Sustainability Director, Ocado Group

Julia Rowe is the Sustainability Director of Ocado Group, a FTSE250 company bringing to market cutting-edge technology solutions that leverage the latest advances in automation, robotics, machine learning and artificial intelligence for the online grocery distribution industry and beyond. She is responsible for setting, and embedding into normal business, a holistic sustainability strategy across global operations.

Julia has been working in corporate sustainability for more than 18 years. She has a PhD in chemistry and spent her early career in technology development of hydrogen fuel cells for automotive applications. She is also sits on the Expert Panel of the Faraday Institution, the UK’s independent institute for electrochemical energy storage research, where she is the member leading on battery recycling.

Julia wants to see the UK tech industry leading the way solving global sustainability issues through technological advancements, for the benefit of society today and for future generations.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Justin Wilson

Senior Vice President and Head of UK Industries, Salesforce

Justin Wilson is a highly accomplished executive, serving as the Senior Vice President and Head of UK Industries for Salesforce. Justin’s organisation is responsible for driving the growth and success of customers in the region. Justin has held this position since February 2023. In addition, Justin is also the executive sponsor for the AbilityForce equality group and serves on the advisory board of international NGO, Save the Children UK.

Prior to his current position, Justin excelled as the leader of the MuleSoft business unit from 2018. During his tenure, he spearheaded transformative growth, driving MuleSoft to achieve unparalleled success in the UK and Ireland. Under Justin's visionary leadership, MuleSoft secured the coveted position of #1 market share in API management and integration. Moreover, his strategic initiatives resulted in a threefold increase in organisational revenues during this period.

Justin joined Salesforce in January 2009, holding several senior leadership positions in the UK & EMEA. Notably, Justin has played a pivotal role in propelling Salesforce's rapid expansion, enabling the company to outpace its competitors in the enterprise software industry. Before embarking on his career at Salesforce, Justin spent eight years at Nortel, where he lead an international team and acquired a deep understanding of the technology and customer experience landscape.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Kata Escott CB

Managing Director, Airbus Defence and Space UK

Kata is the Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space UK. Prior to joining Airbus in 2023, she was a civil servant, and has supported governments across a range of national security priorities since 2001. 

In the civil service career, Kata worked in Defence and at centre of the government including as chief of staff to the Cabinet Secretary through Brexit, and strategy lead and secretary to the National Security Council through Russia's 2021 invasion of Ukraine. She was the Head of the Office for S&T Strategy in 2022 and was part of the senior leadership team charged with setting up the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology before she moved to industry. 

She remains passionate about the transformative potential of S&T for our economic growth and national security, and to that end is committed to ever closer collaboration across government, academia and the private sector.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Liz Ashall-Payne

Founding CEO, Orcha

Liz Ashall-Payne's visionary leadership, extensive expertise in healthcare transformation, and dedication to harnessing the potential of digital health make her a prominent figure in the industry, driving positive change and innovation for the benefit of patients and healthcare systems worldwide.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Neil Sawyer

Senior Vice President and Managing Director Northwest Europe Market, HP

Neil Sawyer is responsible for leading market strategy and managing the multibillion-dollar P&L for HP’s Northwest Europe Market, spanning commercial and consumer channel and customer segments. Neil has more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry, across corporate, public infrastructure, and consumer electronics. He is a member of the non-governmental organisation techUK.

Prior to his role as Managing Director of HP Northwest Europe, Neil served as Vice President and Managing Director for HP UK&I. Before that he led numerous operational, marketing, and strategy roles in his career spanning consumer electronics, commercial technology and telecoms sectors.

He initially joined HP in 2002 as part of the graduate program and built his career path in the IT and electronics sector. Prior to recently returning to HP, Neil has also worked for Lenovo, Samsung Electronics, and Vodafone.

Neil is known for his focus on both business growth and his commitment to talent development whilst nurturing a diverse and inclusive culture. In addition to his role at HP he is a member of the non-governmental organisation techUK, which represents the broader topical issues and opportunities for the technology sector. He shares findings and opinions with the UK Government and the wider technology stakeholder groups in the UK.

Neil holds a degree in Business Studies from the University of the West of England. He lives in London with his wife and three children.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Penny Williams

Managing Director, CDW UK and International

Penny Williams has served as the Managing Director of CDW UK and International since October 2024, bringing over 30 years of senior leadership experience to the role. She is dedicated to creating customer value, building strong partnerships, and driving meaningful results.

Her leadership is grounded in a people-first approach, with a culture shaped by trust, connection, and commitment. Penny believes that the passion and purpose of CDW’s people are the driving forces behind innovation, growth, and exceptional customer delivery.

A committed advocate for women in technology and youth empowerment, Penny actively supports inclusive initiatives such as CDW’s Women in Tech | Women’s International Network (WIN). She fosters collaborative environments that strengthen relationships across the organisation and with customers.

Penny’s dedication to diversity and excellence in the tech industry is also reflected in her long-standing role as a CRN Awards judge since 2016.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Samuel Ajiboyede

CEO, Zido Technologies

Samuel Ajiboyede is a visionary leader driving innovation in sustainable technology and clean energy solutions. As CEO of Zido Technologies, he spearheads transformative projects that advance a sustainable digital economy, integrating cutting-edge energy systems and automation to address critical environmental challenges.

He is the inventor of the Harnod Energy System (EcoRegen) (UK Patent Application No. 2501966.2), a breakthrough technology designed to improve electric vehicle range and energy efficiency. His expertise spans energy regeneration, green hydrogen, hybrid smart grids, and carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS). Samuel’s strategic approach integrates green energy into logistics and infrastructure, significantly reducing environmental impact and positioning industries for a low-carbon future.

A respected global speaker, mentor, and entrepreneur, Samuel has built and scaled multi-million-dollar businesses across diverse sectors including real estate and mobility. With a strong digital presence — over 1.5 million followers and 100,000 subscribers to The Entrepreneur’s Diary — his thought leadership has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and other leading outlets.

Outside the professional sphere, Samuel hones his strategic thinking, discipline, and resilience through golf, polo, table tennis, RC games, and Taekwondo — qualities that underpin his approach to leadership and innovation.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Sarah Blundell

COO, CyberHive

As COO, Sarah leads CyberHive’s strategic operations, managing commercial growth, business development, and organisational efficiency, ensuring exceptional service delivery and driving company performance to meet evolving client and market demands.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Sarah Walker

Chief Executive UK & Ireland, Cisco

As Chief Executive for the UK & Ireland, Sarah Walker has direct responsibility for Cisco’s sales operations in the region and oversees a diverse community of employees who represent over 40 areas of Cisco’s global business.

Sarah has built a career in digital technology and communications, focussed on customer centricity and using technology to deliver outcomes aligned to business objectives.

With early roles in mobile telephony, working her way up the technology stack, Sarah spent 25 years in BT in various senior leadership positions across both the public and private sector before joining Cisco two years ago to lead its Enterprise business in the UK and Ireland.

In her prior role leading Cisco’s Enterprise business, Sarah was responsible for the company’s relationships with more than a hundred large, private sector organisations across key sectors for the UK and Ireland – ranging from transport to pharmaceuticals and financial services.

Sarah is also an advisor to the UK Government’s Board of Trade, a Non-Executive Director at Liverpool Women’s Hospital Trust, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Greater Manchester Academies Trust as well as the proud Executive Sponsor for Women of Cisco UKI.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Simon Wilyman

Managing Director, Intel UK & Northern Europe

With 25+ years of experience in the semiconductor and tech industry Simon is a strategic leader operating at the leading edge of technology innovation. His mission is to enable customers and partners success and to continually develop highly skilled and performing organizations.

Sir William Touche

techUK Vice President of Finance

William Touche is a former London Senior Partner and Vice Chair at Deloitte LLP where he specialised in the TMT and consumer sectors. In a career as auditor and advisor spanning four decades he worked with many of the leading international companies in these sectors.

William also founded and led Deloitte’s global boardroom program as well as leading the UK Deloitte Academy.  He is an advisor to several development stage tech companies and brings a broad range of experience and skills to the Board. 

He is a non-executive director of Chanel Limited and DMGT plc and at techUK he serves as director, chairs the finance committee and is a member of the remuneration committee.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Stephen Hall

CEO, Crown Hosting Data Centres

Steve spent almost 19 years in the Royal Navy as a Chartered Aeronautical Engineer - a perfect background for a second career in IT. 

He has worked for Logica, EDS, HP and now Ark data centres where he was the CEO of Crown Hosting (CH), a highly successful JV with the Cabinet Office; he is now is advising CH. He has also taken on the role of Chief Revenue Officer  at Littlefish, an award winning Managed Services Company who have grown from a SME to be a UK challenger company to the ‘Usual Suspects’.

Steve has been elected to the board as an SME representative and is looking forward to ensuring that the capabilities, innovation and agility of the SMEs community is fully taken advantage of to make the UK a much better place to live and work in - driven by a vibrant Information Technology sector.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Sue Preston

Vice President & General Manager, UKIMESA, HPE Pointnext Services

Sue Preston is the worldwide Vice President & General Manager for Advisory & Professional Services. Together with her team, she is a strategic partner to customers and provides advisory-led engagements and outcomes-driven digital transformation journeys.

She has dedicated her entire career to technology leadership and transformation.

Before joining HPE, Sue spent two years at Microsoft running the Azure & Data AI Specialist teams in the UK across Enterprise Commercial and Public Sector.  Prior to Microsoft she spent eight years at Hitachi driving Global Financial Services and Managed Services teams along with driving transformation and focus on IoT. She also held leadership roles in the Partner Ecosystem and started her career in the Unix arena and ERP transformation.

Sue is passionate about people and has a solid track record of building high performing teams.  Sue actively participates and drives sustainability initiatives across technology, environmental and social and governance (ESG) strategies. She was shortlisted for CRN Exec Mentor of the Year and takes on various judging roles for Women in Business. Sue sits on the techUK Board and was recently recognised in the top 100 DataIQ most influential leaders in Data.

Outside of work Sue is engaged in raising funds for various charities, enjoys Golf & DIY.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Suzanne Steele

Vice President and Managing Director, United Kingdom and Ireland (UKI), Adobe

Suzanne is a customer-centric and people-focused leader, responsible for Adobe’s operations in the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa.  As one of the largest and most diverse regions, Suzanne works with a wide range of businesses across industries and geographies to help them deliver incredible, personalised, content-rich experiences for their customers with Adobe’s Creative Cloud, Experience Cloud and Document Cloud solutions. 

Alongside her role leading the business, Suzanne is an advocate for CSR and diversity, equality and inclusion.  She is an active supporter and sponsor for many of Adobe’s initiatives to help women and underrepresented groups succeed and grow their careers at Adobe through training and mentorship. 

Suzanne has over 25 years’ experience in leading and motivating management teams across data, software and analytics businesses. Her work in North America, Australia, the UK and Singapore includes senior roles at Experian, Visa Europe, and Morgan Stanley. 

Prior to taking on her current role in April 2022, Suzanne was VP and MD for Adobe in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), where she presided over a period of significant growth for Adobe in the region, and launched Adobe Skill Finder, a programme offering over 3,000 free courses which reached more than 400,000 Australians.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].

Tricia Blatherwick

Chief Commercial Officer, AutogenAI

Tricia Blatherwick is the Chief Commercial Officer at AutogenAI.  She has spent over 30 years working for some of the UK’s largest IT and Outsourcing companies, generating sales in excess of £4bn.   She holds a degree in English Literature and an MBA in Strategic Discourse - and is passionate about the power of language - including business language - to motivate, inspire and create change in the world. Having put in the 'hard yards’ of bid writing throughout her career, she also knows that the Proposal industry is way overdue for a technological breakthrough - which is the reason she joined the leadership team at AutogenAI.

 With 5 kids, 2 snooty cats, and a dopey Labrador, Tricia thrives on creativity, stimulation, and intravenous caffeine.

If you wish to contact a member of the Board, please do so via [email protected].