Each year, Computer Weekly launches a search for the most influential people in UK IT, asking the tech community who it thinks should be in the top 50 – here is the longlist of everyone nominated for 2023.
The aim is to identify the 50 most influential leaders in UK IT. An expert judging panel representing every aspect of the IT profession helped to decide the results, along with a reader vote, to determine who holds the most influence over the future of the UK tech sector – and of IT professionals across the country.
The judges' selection of the top 50 was influenced by significant tech trends and considerations. Let's explore the key points:
- Importance of technology in a challenging economic climate: Technology plays a vital role in driving innovation, productivity, and efficiency, especially during challenging economic times. Recognizing the value of technology highlights its potential to support businesses, industries, and economies in overcoming obstacles and driving growth.
- Growing influence of sustainability and ethics: The increasing recognition of sustainability and ethics in the IT sector reflects a broader global trend towards responsible and conscious business practices. Technology has the power to address environmental challenges and promote ethical considerations in areas such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and responsible AI development.
- Digital revolution transforming our lives and work: The digital revolution has profoundly impacted the way we live and work, reshaping industries, creating new business models, and transforming customer experiences. Acknowledging this ongoing transformation emphasizes the need to embrace digital technologies and adapt to the evolving landscape.
- Promoting diversity in the tech community: Diversity and inclusion are essential for fostering innovation and driving positive change in the tech industry. By recognizing the importance of diversity in terms of gender, ethnicity, geography, industry sector, and company size, the judges are highlighting the need for a more inclusive tech community that reflects the diverse perspectives and talents of individuals from various backgrounds.
FIRST 5 PLACES:
1. Michelle Donelan/Chloe Smith, secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Michelle Donelan was appointed secretary of state for science, innovation and technology in February 2023, prior to which she was secretary of state in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Donelan is currently on maternity leave, with Chloe Smith acting as the current secretary of state.
2. Lindy Cameron, CEO, National Cyber Security Centre
Cameron became CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre in October 2020 following more than two decades of national security policy and crisis management experience. She was previously a director general in the Northern Ireland Office and at the Department for International Development. Cameron was last year’s winner of UKtech50.
3. Megan Lee Devlin, CEO, Central Digital and Data Office
Megan Lee Devlin was appointed executive director of the government’s new Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) in November 2022, leading the strategic centre for digital, data and technology (DDaT) across government. In her role, she is in charge of 18,000 digital, data and technology professionals, and leads the DDaT function for government. She previously held the role of chief strategy and transformation officer in the CDDO.
4. Clare Barclay, CEO, Microsoft UK
Clare Barclay is CEO of Microsoft UK, where she is responsible for all of Microsoft’s product and service offerings in the UK and for supporting the success of its commercial customers and partners. Prior to October 2020, she was the software giant’s UK chief operating officer for four years.
5. Demis Hassabis, founder and CEO, Google DeepMind
Demis Hassabis founded artificial intelligence (AI) company DeepMind in 2010. The company, which was bought by Google in 2014 for about £400m, is involved in several AI projects across sectors, including the NHS. Before founding DeepMind, Hassabis completed a PhD in neuroscience at UCL. He is a previous UKtech50 winner, in 2019.
Here is the list of the 50 most influential people in UK technology for 2023.