Presenting the 2025 CIO Summit Agenda

Presenting the 2025 CIO Summit Agenda

Thursday, September 18

Morning keynote sessions
09:00 – 09:10
CIO UK Opening Remarks
Speaker
Matt Egan Global Editorial Director Foundry
09:10 – 09:40
Leading Through Disruption: Innovation, Resilience & Impact

In a world of constant change, leadership isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about setting the pace. From emerging technologies to global challenges, the ability to adapt, innovate, and inspire has never been more critical. Join this opening keynote to explore what it takes to navigate uncertainty, drive meaningful change, and turn disruption into opportunity. Get ready for bold insights, fresh perspectives, and a call to action for the future!

10:00 – 10:30
So, AI Walks into the Boardroom… Now What?

AI is everywhere—promising innovation, disruption, and maybe a few CIO headaches. With vendors flooding the market and new capabilities emerging daily, how do tech leaders separate game-changing potential from overhyped distractions? This opening panel will dive into the realities of AI adoption, the key factors CIOs must consider, and how to navigate the ever-expanding vendor landscape. Expect candid insights, practical strategies, and maybe even a little AI myth-busting along the way!

10:30 – 11:00
Networking break
Morning Track 1
11:15 – 11:45
AI: From Science Project to Profit Machine

AI experimentation is over and it’s now time to make it pay off. As enterprises scale AI initiatives, CIOs must shift focus from exploration to monetization, ensuring AI investments drive real business value. This panel will dive into the economics of AI, strategies for measuring and optimizing AI-enabled applications, and the challenges of integrating AI into IT modernization efforts. How can CIOs turn AI from an operational expense into a revenue driver? Let’s break it down.

Speaker
Lauren Dally Director of Application Delivery Ardonagh Advisory
12:00 – 12:30
Power, Influence & IT: Making IT Matter at the Top

As CIOs take on a bigger role in the boardroom, communicating the value of technology in business terms is more critical than ever. Bridging the gap between technical expertise and executive priorities comes with challenges—translating complex IT strategies, securing buy-in for digital initiatives, and aligning with broader corporate goals. This panel will explore how CIOs can effectively engage with board members, navigate tough conversations, and ensure technology remains a key driver of business success.

Speaker
Natalie Whittlesey Director, Technology Leadership & C-Tech Engagement The IN Group
Speaker
Steven Yick CDO UCAS
Morning Track 2
11:00 – 11:30
Tech, Turmoil & Tomorrow: Mapping Risks in an Uncertain World

Geopolitical tensions, shifting regulations, and societal pressures are reshaping the business landscape—and technology leaders are on the front lines. From supply chain disruptions to data sovereignty laws and the evolving role of AI, CIOs must anticipate risks and adapt strategies to stay resilient. This session unpacks the key global trends impacting IT, how to navigate uncertainty, and what tech leaders should be watching next.

Speaker
Amy Jones Chief Transformation Officer Emerald Publishing
11:45 – 12:15
Going Green Without Going Crazy

Sustainability is no longer a side initiative—it’s a core part of digital strategy. By 2027, 65% of CIOs will be tasked with embedding ESG objectives into technology projects, shaping the future of responsible innovation (IDC). This panel explores how technology leaders can drive sustainability, balance business goals with environmental impact, and navigate the evolving ESG landscape.

12:30 – 13:30
Networking Lunch Break
Peer-to-Peer CIO Roundtable Series
13:30 – 14:20
This series of interactive roundtable discussions offers a unique opportunity for technology leaders to connect, share insights, and tackle today’s biggest challenges together. Each table will focus on a key theme shaping the future of IT, allowing participants to exchange strategies, discuss real-world experiences, and gain fresh perspectives from peers facing similar opportunities and obstacles.
IT Modernization: Breaking Free from Legacy Systems

Sharing strategies for overcoming tech debt, migrating to the cloud, and future-proofing IT infrastructure.

Data Overload: Turning Information into Actionable Insights

Exploring how to build a data-driven culture that fuels smarter decision-making.

The Evolving Role of IT: From Service Provider to Strategic Powerhouse

How IT leaders can position themselves as key business enablers, not just tech troubleshooters.

AI: Hype vs. Reality – What’s Actually Driving Value?

A candid discussion on AI adoption, governance, and real-world applications that deliver measurable impact.

Navigating the AI Vendor Maze: Separating Promise from Performance

With AI vendors flooding the market, how can IT leaders make informed choices and avoid overhyped solutions?

From Experimentation to Monetization: Making AI Pay Off

How organizations are shifting AI from proof-of-concept to a revenue-generating, enterprise-wide asset.

The Boardroom Balancing Act: Communicating IT’s Value

Strategies for influencing executive leadership, aligning technology with business goals, and securing buy-in for innovation.

Cybersecurity in 2025: Are You Prepared?

Addressing new threats, evolving compliance requirements, and building resilience against emerging risks.

Sustainability & IT: More Than Just Greenwashing

How to integrate ESG objectives into tech strategy without sacrificing innovation, efficiency, or profitability.

Tech Talent & Digital Skills: Bridging the Workforce Gap

Sharing best practices for upskilling teams, adapting to automation, and building a future-ready workforce.

Afternoon Track 1
14:30 – 15:00
Training Humans for the Digital Jungle

CIOs play a critical role in shaping tomorrow’s workforce—championing digital skills, automation, and transformation. This panel will explore how technology leaders can drive workforce development, bridge the skills gap, and adapt to evolving demands. What strategies will ensure teams thrive in a tech-driven world?

15:00 – 15:30
Big Data, Bigger Decisions: Turning Numbers into Strategy

Data is the backbone of modern business strategy, and technology leaders play a crucial role in turning information into actionable insights. This panel will explore how to harness data effectively, foster a data-driven culture, and drive smarter decision-making for competitive advantage.

Afternoon Track 2
14:20 -14:35
Starting Your AI Journey: Where to Begin and What to Expect

AI is a hot topic, but where should you begin? Jonathon Valentine will break down the practicalities of starting your AI journey, sharing insights on the best approach to implementation. He will also explore how AI agents will enhance the customer experience by resolving tickets efficiently—without human intervention.

Speaker
Jonathon Valentine CIO ThingCo
14:35 – 14:55
Driving Digital Transformation in Emergency Care: The Role of the CDIO

This session will explore the critical role of the Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) in the NHS Ambulance Service and how digital transformation is shaping the future of emergency care. The presentation will cover key responsibilities, including driving innovation, enhancing data management, and implementing technology to improve patient outcomes. Attendees will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of digital healthcare, as well as the strategic vision for integrating AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

Speaker
Stephen Bromhall Chief Information and Digital Officer South East Coast Ambulance Service NHs Foundation Trust
15:15 – 15:45
Cybersecurity in 2025: Building Resilient Systems in a Hyperconnected World

As organizations become more interconnected & sophisticated, cybersecurity threats continue to evolve. This panel will explore strategies for building resilient systems, mitigating risks, and ensuring robust security frameworks in an era of constant digital threats. Leaders must stay ahead of emerging challenges to safeguard their enterprises.

Speaker
James Bore Director The Bore Group
15:45 – 16:15
Afternoon Networking Break
Afternoon keynote sessions
16:15 – 16:50
The Evolving Tech Leadership Landscape: Where CIOs Fit In

CIOs operate in an increasingly complex landscape, collaborating with emerging tech leaders while steering digital strategy. This panel will explore how CIOs can define their role, foster cross-functional alignment, and drive innovation to ensure seamless technology integration and business success.

Speaker
Nick Harris CIO The Salvation Army Trading Company Limited
Speaker
Andrew Evers Group Director of IT Rocco Forte Hotels
16:50 – 17:25
Inside the CIO 100: Trends, Triumphs & the Evolving Tech Leadership Playbook

What does it take to be recognized as a top technology leader today? This exclusive closing panel of CIO 100 judges will share key themes that emerged from this year’s winners, the groundbreaking achievements that set them apart, and how the CIO role continues to evolve. From AI adoption to digital transformation at scale, hear firsthand insights from the experts who evaluated the best of the best. Gain an insider’s perspective on what defines success in today’s rapidly shifting tech landscape.

Speaker
Dave Roberts Global IT Director Stantec
Speaker
Kevin Gibbs Executive Director of Delivery Bracknell Forest Council
Speaker
Fergus Boyd NED & CIO Advisor
Speaker
Kelly Olsen NED
17:25 – 17:30
Closing Remarks
17:30 – 18:30
Drinks Reception