Richard Pawsey

I am a strategic IT leader with over 20 years’ experience driving digital transformation, governance, and cost optimisation across public, private, and non‑profit sectors. My career spans board‑level influence, hands‑on technical expertise, and a proven ability to align technology with business strategy to deliver measurable impact.

At KX Gym UK, I restructured IT operations and governance, delivering over 50% cost savings while building scalable systems to support growth. At Fairtrade Foundation, I directed IT through the challenges of COVID, managed a £1m+ budget, and led outsourcing initiatives that strengthened compliance and resilience. Earlier roles include leading multi‑site digital transformations, managing full P&L responsibility for an IT consultancy, and supporting major aerospace programmes.

What sets me apart is the ability to combine deep technical knowledge — from cloud migration to AI/ML adoption — with executive leadership that inspires teams, engages stakeholders, and drives sustainable change. I thrive on solving complex problems with pragmatic solutions, whether modernising legacy infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity, or enabling innovation at scale.

🔍 I am currently seeking CIO, IT Director, or Transformation Lead opportunities where I can deliver strategic change, optimise costs, and elevate digital maturity.

Strategic IT Leader CIO/IT Director Digital Transformation Governance & Cost Optimization

Seasoned IT executive with 20+ years of leadership experience driving digital transformation, operational efficiency, and governance across public, private, and non-profit sectors. Proven track record of delivering multimillion-pound savings, modernizing infrastructure, and aligning technology with business strategy. Adept at leading high-performing teams, managing complex vendor ecosystems, and navigating regulatory landscapes including ISO27001 and GDPR. Known for pragmatic decision-making, deep technical fluency (especially in NVIDIA GPU architecture and data center builds), and a sharp eye for cost-effective innovation. MBA-qualified, with a strong foundation in engineering and a passion for building resilient, future-ready IT environments.

MBA gained from a globally recognised (AMBA) business school at Kent University