CIO Panel 2023 for corporate members

Deborah joined UCISA as CEO in May of 2019, bringing with her a wealth of marketing and Higher Education experience, most recently as Director of Student Recruitment at the University of Hull following five years as Chief Executive of Marketing Leeds and 5 years at Leeds Beckett University, where she was a member of the Executive Board. She is no stranger to leading member organisations, having led the Law Society’s regional team earlier in her career, supporting 14,500 solicitors in Yorkshire and the North East and introducing a wealth of new initiatives and services, resulting in her receiving the Yorkshire Enterprise Award and being recognised as Yorkshire Lawyer of the year in 2007 for her services to the profession.

Brian is an award-winning professional with an career spanning nearly over 35 years in Higher Education (HE), Further Education (FE) and the Public Sector. With an MBA from Strathclyde University and a Fellowship with the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), Brian has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and management skills across a wide range of technical and service disciplines.  Brian’s expertise in team management and strategic planning has earned him recognition in the industry, culminating in being awarded the prestigious UCISA Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Year for 2024/2025 and, under his leadership, the IT Directorate at the University of Aberdeen was voted best  IT Support in the United Kingdom universities in the National Student Survey of 2023/24. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence, as HEFESTIS CEO, Brian continues to support and drive innovation for the Education and Public sectors.

Karen joined London Business School as Director of IT, Delivery Capability in Autumn 2021 to ensure successful delivery of their Digital Transformation. Prior to that Karen spent 7 years with the University of Portsmouth leading their technology portfolio. The first 20 Years of my career was across Local Government, latterly leading Business and Digital Transformation. 

Jacqui has a breadth of experience in both Business and Technology in the UK and International markets from working in several sectors including Higher Education, Onshore/Offshore Financial Services, Technology Consultancy, Sport and Leisure, Commercial Property, Creative Arts, and the Voluntary Sector. She has worked in numerous locations around the globe for complex, highly regulated, multicultural organisations, including multi-national FTSE 100 companies, small consultancy firms and establishing her own businesses. She has led many business and technology transformation programs, establishing, and leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver business outcomes.