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UKtech50 2018 – help us find the most influential people in UK IT

Computer Weekly’s annual search for the 50 most influential people in UK IT is on – let us know who you would like to nominate for this year's list

Lis Evenstad
By
Published: 01 Oct 2018 0:01

Computer Weekly is launching its ninth annual UKtech50 this week, our definitive list of the movers and shakers in UK IT – the CIOs, industry executives, public servants and business leaders who are driving forward the technology agenda in the UK economy. 

Our aim is to identify the 50 most influential leaders in UK IT. Whoever comes top of the list will be the person who, in the opinion of our expert judging panel and a reader vote, holds the most influence over the future of the UK IT sector in the next 12 months – and hence the future of IT professionals across the country.  

Last year’s winner of the UKtech50 was Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) chief digital and information officer Mayank Prakash, who joined the department back in 2014 and has led its digital transformation work ever since. 

Under Prakash’s leadership, the department has introduced the fully digital Universal Credit service, moved services into the cloud and began using modern technologies such as blockchain, neural networks and machine learning.

Most importantly, though, the DWP has gone through a huge culture change, and Prakash, who will leave the department after Christmas, has worked hard to break down traditional barriers.  

Prakash could make his way back onto the list again, but who else will follow him into this year’s fold? There will be plenty of candidates from every UK sector. With changes aplenty in digital government and new roles and leaders emerging and making their mark, will another digital leader from Whitehall come out on top?

As the digital revolution transforms businesses, will a CIO with game-changing IT strategies come to the fore? Or as startups grow across the country, is this the time to recognise a technology entrepreneur?

This is where we need your help. If you would like to nominate anyone you feel deserves recognition as one of the 50 most influential people in UK IT, simply complete the form below and submit your suggested individual. Nominations must be received by 5pm on Friday 19 October to be eligible for the 2018 list. 

Judging the UKtech50

The UKtech50 list will be decided by a judging panel representing every area of the UK IT profession – and we will ask readers to vote on who they think should top the list.

Our judging panel will select the top 50 candidates based on the following criteria:

  • Influence: What authority or ability does the person have – either through their personal position or the role they hold – to personally influence the development of UK IT, or to influence others in positions of authority?
  • Achievements: What has the person achieved in the past 12 months to help the development of UK IT?
  • Profile: Is the person recognised as a role model for aspiring leaders? How widely are they acknowledged by their peers as an authority and influence on UK IT?
  • Leadership: Does the person demonstrate the skills and experience necessary to be seen as a leader in the development of IT in the UK? Do they have a leadership role and does that help them develop the role of IT in the UK?
  • Potential: How likely is it that the person will have a significant impact on UK IT in the next 12 months? Will their authority and responsibility grow?

Looking back at last year’s UKtech50

Read more on CW500 and IT leadership skills