Rising Stars Awards 2021
Welcome to the
How do we choose the winners?
The entrant thinks or works differently from their peers, and can prove it
Find out the winners
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Innovation
TRANSFORMATION
The entrant is driving change at their organisation, with evidence of adoption
Success
There is a clear demonstration of success – whether through collaboration or independent work
Introduction
The judginG process
Who are the judges?
Firstname Surname
Tap each person
What are these awards all about?
The Rising Stars Awards celebrate emerging talent in digital. Here we recognise and identify the sector's future leaders, as well as shining the spotlight on the organisations and individuals that help to foster and develop new talent in the industry. In these unprecedented times, as the UK and many other countries navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals will be facing a unique and unforeseen set of challenges: working from home, balancing work and personal lives, and coping with personal and family stress while continuing to make great contribution to their businesses. Open to anyone with less than 10 years in the IT space, or companies who are making a significant contribution to recognising and rewarding new talent, the Rising Stars Awards are an opportunity to focus on all of the positives to come from peoples' hard work and determination over the last year. The Awards are not about young versus old; they are about celebrating and recognising the achievements of those at the beginning of their career in the sector - shining a spotlight on their success and championing the organisations that do the most to develop new talent in the digital industry.
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Category Sponsor
Making the world safer, healthier and more efficient Leidos makes the world safer, healthier, and more efficient through information technology, engineering, and science. We specialise in developing and supporting large scale and innovative technology transformation programmes that are designed to deliver business improvement and efficiency. From secure cloud migration, business process optimisation and business intelligence capabilities our ability to deliver digital solutions is unmatched. At Leidos, our employees are inspired to create innovative technology solutions that solve the world’s toughest problems. We call it our culture of innovation. We are committed to investing in critical research and development efforts that respond to today’s challenges as we work to deliver the next generation of agile, cohesive solutions necessary for our rapidly changing environment. Leidos is a Fortune 500® information technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defence, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company's 40,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $12.30 billion for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2021.
Alex Denley
London South Bank University
Baij Patel
The Walt Disney Company Ltd (Formerly)
Henry Chen
Barclays
Lianne Potter
Covea Insurance and Founder at The AnthroSecurist
Phil Scully
Costa
Richard Rosenberg
The Financial Times
Nick Rosser
Saunderson House
Alex Denley is Director of Innovation and Transformation at London South Bank University. A multi-award winning senior IT leader and visionary, noted for his disruptive stance and approach to transforming the way his students interact with technology, Alex has overall accountability on technology modernisation spend for one of London’s top Universities, aligning strategy with benefits realisation to achieve his goals. A member of the UK Governance Board for BETT, being a Judge for the UK Business Awards and also ranking within the accredited CIO 100. With over 16 years of experience, he has led the technology teams for some of the most exciting visitor attractions in the UK, including the prestigious London Eye. Combined with experience in running technology programs for Barclays Investment Bank and delivering 5 star experiences within London’s thriving hospitality market. He has leveraged technology to modernise, transform and innovate; striving for world-class customer service with operational efficiencies at the forefront.
Disney (Formerly)
A creative and adaptable IT team leader with over 30 years of experience in the media sector working for well-known companies such as The Walt Disney Company and Twentieth Century Fox. Selected by Computing Magazine as one of the top 250 IT leaders in the UK and to be a steering committee member for the UK IT Leaders Festival. Speaker for Twentieth Century Fox at Box’s internal conference. Provided mentorship to students as part of Connect Mentors, at the UK IT Leaders Festival, and to IT interns at Twentieth Century Fox. Set and delivered complex IT strategy across Europe. Expertise in troubleshooting, leadership, service delivery, project management and customer experience. Delivered millions of Dollars in savings, and efficiencies, while improving SLAs and customer experience. Passionate about using technology to drive business productivity and growth.
David Germain
RSA
David is RSA’s Group, UK & I CIO and leads the long-term technology / transformation vision. He is responsible for transforming both the way that IT is operated and how it interfaces with the overall business. Including reshaping new ways of improving the customer experience and optimising business performance. Prior to joining RSA, David worked for a number of world leading Banking institutions in C-suite roles. 2020 FDM everywoman in Technology Woman in Technology panel judge. David was voted Top 10 BAME (UK Black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals who are driving change) leader influencing the technology sector in 2019 by the Financial Times. 2019 Finalist at the British Black Business Awards in the STEM (Science, Technology, English and Maths) category. 2019 Finalist at the ITA Awards for services to Technology. One of the youngest Fortune 500 technology executives and FTSE 100 technology executives. David is also a Non-Executive Director and Advisor on a number of UK boards and committees. David is married with three children.
As VP of Data and Analytics for Barclays Wealth Technology Division, Henry leads a global team and oversees multiple platforms and services that provide client and reference data to applications within the Wealth ecosystem. He has partnered with the Business and Operations to deliver key integration, regulatory change, and transformation programmes with a focus on data and technology strategy and the overall governance and control. His balanced technical knowledge and business acumen, coupled with the tenacity to solve problems has served him well on both sides from the Atlantic when he relocated from NY to London, allowing him to broaden his global experience. Henry also has a keen interest in diversity and inclusion. He has co-chaired and sat on various committees (internal and industry-wide) to discuss challenges and share best practices to ensure firms are committed to employee development and supporting all D&I agendas.
phil scully
Phil Scully is the Group CIO for Costa responsible for corporate and customer systems globally. He joined Costa Coffee in 2017 from parent company Whitbread and has been building and leading the Costa IT function through a significant period of Digital Transformation and from 2019 the successful separation of all systems and data from Whitbread following the acquisition of Costa by The Coca-Cola Company. Prior to Costa he was Group CTO for 3 years at Whitbread with responsibility for Architecture, Data and Information Security functions. He has 30 years’ experience in the IT industry working in technology and delivery leadership roles on large, complex transformation agendas for BAA, Centrica, M&S and Whitbread.
John Sullivan
Virgin Trains
John is an experienced IT leader who focuses on where technology can improve business performance from concepts to delivery. He is passionate about digital innovation and has driven a number of new global first. With the advances in customer facing systems and mobile technology, he believes that IT can now be a true enabler. He is also a believer that there are many options and an incredible number of ways IT can bring value, but selecting the right one which delivers most value is key. He had overall responsibility for ‘change’ as well as technology within Virgin Trains and believes that one of the key aspects for successful project delivery is getting the right innovation process. If you can capture the imagination of your stakeholders using your vision, you are half way to success.
Nick is Head of Information Technology for Saunderson House, an award-winning independent firm of wealth managers focused on private clients. Nick plays a leading role in defining and supporting the business lead technology strategies across the organisation. He has 25 years’ of experience working within financial services in roles within technology, operations and client advice at firms including Jupiter Asset Management and BDO LLP.
Diana Moldovan
Aviva
Diana Moldovan is currently the UK Cyber Operations Lead for Aviva, where she leads the Incident Response and Threat Hunting team. Previously Diana worked for Deloitte where she was a manager in the Cyber Incident Response team and collaborated with several blue chip clients working on multiple areas of security including incident response, memory forensic analysis, threat intelligence, vulnerability management and attack detection. Before that, Diana worked for Betfair. During the 5 years, Diana was part of the Threat and Vulnerability Management team, being responsible for monitoring, detection, analysis and response to threats. Diana is a board member of She CISO Exec, a sustainable global training and mentoring platform in information security and leadership. Diana is a CISSP, GCIH, GCIA, GSEC and PRINCE2 certified professional with 9 years of experience in the Cyber Security field.
Lianne is an award-winning security transformation manager, change maker, tech founder at The AnthroSecurist, cyber anthropologist and tech diversity and inclusion advocate. Lianne's passion is to ensure that the tech we use is as secure as possible while at the same time, removing barriers for those who create it, and fostering environments for innovation and growth. Lianne evangalises a cultural security transformation which begins with embedding values which never compromises or neglect the human experience. Her matra is: When you follow the cables, behind every piece of tech is a person, consumer and creator, and we should never lose sight of this. Lianne currently works at Covea Insurance as an information security transformation manager developing a vision of an intrinsic security culture that gives people the knowledge and the tools to act securely, and empowers them to make the right decisions in a secure by design manner. Lianne also serves on the board of two community enterprises, Women in Leeds Digital (WiLD) and InnovateHer, both aimed at increasing diversity in tech and is an entrepreneur creating businesses in the 'tech for good' space.
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Mike Downing
WPA
Mike has led innovation and technological change at WPA, a leading UK Health Insurer, for over 20 years. Mike strives to keep WPA at the leading edge of technology disruption and transformation, implementing agile solutions that drive the business forward and deliver competitive advantage. Mike’s team has won more than ten industry awards in the last five years for their innovative solutions. His academic background includes a BSc in Business Computer Science, an MSc in International Financial Management and an MBA. Mike has a special interest in developing systems to improve automation by utilising Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, having gained relevant qualifications at MIT and Swansea University. Prior to WPA, Mike’s varied work experience across Europe has included financial institutions, technology companies, the European Space Agency and the United Nations. Mike is a frequent attendee at insurance market and technology events where he often speaks or debates as part of a panel.
Jack Hayward
The Wellcome Trust
Jack Hayward is Head of Information Security for the medical research charity The Wellcome Trust. Jack is tasked with ensuring information security across a diverse organisation that simultaneously operates a museum and library, research funding, and a major investments team. Focusing on human-centric security and developing security services that support innovation, Jack is helping Wellcome to protect itself without losing sight of what it needs to do to improve health and help great ideas to thrive.
Mark Clarke
NatWest Group
mark clarke
In his nearly thirty-year IT career, Mark has practiced nearly all the roles that the profession offers and in the last five years has particularly focussed on transforming corporate IT delivery functions using modern software development practices. Having almost always worked with globally dispersed teams, Mark is particularly experienced in embracing cultural diversity within organisational development and as well as being an active mentor in his own organisation he is also a university mentor, continuing to help bridge the gap between academia and industry. Having started as the equivalent of a modern-day intern, Mark is passionate about using his leadership opportunities to identify and nurture early career talent, as well as to guide individuals on their learning journeys throughout their careers.
tom allen
Computing & Delta
TOm allen
Tom Allen is the Site Editor for Delta, Computing's market intelligence service, and writes for both Computing and The Inquirer. He joined Incisive Media in 2017 from the display industry, trading LCDs and quantum dots for big data and the IoT. As well as tech market analysis, Tom's role consists of interviewing C-level IT leaders, organising events and complaining about improper use of the Oxford comma.
Sapna Dattani
DWS
Sapna is a former executive at DWS Asset Management where she helped run the Technology and Operations division, working on efficiency and digital transformation, as well as bridging the gap between business requirements and technology deliverables. Prior to this, she was a senior executive working directly for the Board of Deutsche Bank Group on strategy and communications. Her passion for technology stems from a young age and she holds an MA in Computer Science from Cambridge University. Sapna is an avid supporter of diversity and has participated in and led many initiatives to encourage women and minorities to further their careers in financial services and technology.
jack hayward
Wellcome Trust
Diana Kennedy
BP
Diana has been with BP since 2010, firstly leading the Strategy and Architecture function for the Enterprise Systems group, and latterly for the Upstream Business. In addition, Diana led the Information and Big Data Agenda for the group until February 2017 when she was appointed Vice President, Strategy, Architecture and Planning for BP. Prior to BP, Diana was Head of Architecture and Technology for British Gas, part of the Centrica group, where she led the solutions team for the retail transformation of British Gas. Diana started her career in consulting, firstly with Boston Consulting Group and subsequently PwC, where she held senior design and architecture roles, predominantly in the financial services and insurance sector. Diana holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, a post-graduate degree in Computer Science from the University of London and an MBA from Henley Business School. She has three children and competes for Great Britain in Masters Athletics in her spare time.
Janet Adams
TSB Bank
Janet Adams is a long-term enthusiast in artificial intelligence and recently completed a Master’s degree in AI at the University of Essex. A disruptive tech advocate with over two decades of experience in banking risk and technology, Janet currently works at TSB Business Banking as Head of Strategic Projects and Performance. Janet’s experience extends across commercial and investment banking, and her resume includes the likes of HSBC, RBS and Barclays. Combining her published MSc dissertation on Explainability and Accountability of AI, with her special brand of technology, risk and conduct expertise, Janet has established herself as a thought leader in AI ethics in banking. Janet is committed to the principles of inclusivity and strongly believes that the AI revolution will play a significant role in furthering the work of strengthening diversity.
Nina Monckton
AXA PPP
Nina is a data leader with a passion for driving value from data. Her work with the NHS identified over £1 billion of savings and won her, her organisation and strategic partners several awards for innovative use of cloud analytics. Nina currently works with AXA Health leading their ambitious data strategy and analytics activities.
Computing
John Leonard
Baij started his career in IT at the tender age of 18, installing computerised ticketing systems in cinemas around Europe after deferring his BSc in Computer Science at City University in London. After rapid progression to Europe Support Manager, Baij moved on from the exhibitor (cinema) side of the film business, to the distributor side, and joined Twentieth Century Fox Film Company as an IT Helpdesk Analyst. 25 years on, and after TCF was purchased by Disney, Baij became IT Director for Europe at The Walt Disney Company in London. He left in 2020 and is now searching for his next challenge. Baij is an experienced infrastructure and IT helpdesk service delivery director with 25+ years of IT experience in the media sector. His passion for technology is only second to his love of all things film-related!
Laura Meyer
HarperCollins Publishers UK
As HCUK’s CIO, Laura oversees the company’s technology division, incorporating a wide variety of tools, applications, software design and development, projects, services and digital technology solutions, supporting customers across the company. Laura facilitates HCUK’s security council and liaises with colleagues across NewsCorp on various initiatives. Laura also has executive oversight for Distribution and Group Production, and chairs HCUK’s environment council Formerly Senior Vice President, Technology and Operations, for Turner Broadcasting System Europe (WarnerMedia), Laura has held a variety of senior positions in her field.
John Leonard is Group Research Director for the Enterprise Technology Group at Incisive Media. He has designed and conducted research studies and analyses covering many of the aspects of business technology that are driving the way we live and work today.
Richard has over 20 years experience in the digital product development space, from leading teams that created some ground-breaking new products at Sky, to the software engineering behind some of best known global e-commerce travel brands at The Expedia Group. He has recently taken up a new role at the Financial Times as their new Chief Technology Officer.
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the 2021 awards
A company who has gone above and beyond
Company of the Year
Training Scheme of the Year
Providing exceptional training opportunities for new IT professionals
Analyst of the Year
Awarded to a real data hero
Security Specialist of the Year
Awarded to a professional with a passion for security
Rising Star of the Year – Tech Sector
A new starter helping the business on the road to success
Rising Star of the Year – Professional Services and Channel
Standing out from the crowd
Special Award: Excellence Under Pressure
Treating a crisis as an opportunity
Cloud Professional of the Year
Understanding how to extract value from the cloud
Rising Star of the Year – Finance Sector
A young professional making waves in finance
The Rising Stars Awards highlight and honour the top new talent in the IT trade, as well as the companies, mentors and role models supporting it. More than anywhere else, innovation and evangelism are the name of the game.
Explore our 2021 Awards
Click on a category to reveal the winner
DevOps Engineer of the Year
Embodying the principles of flexibility, adaptability and change
Find the winner
Active Fund Awards
Digital Person of the Year
A proactive individual who has contributed digital excellence to their organisation
Entrepreneur of the Year
Awarded to an individual with demonstrable excellence in entrepreneurship
Mentor of the Year
An individual who has gone above and beyond to support mentees
Team of the Year
Awarded to a team driving business advances through collaboration
Innovative Developer of the Year
An outstanding developer who has a fresh new approach to challenges
Excellence in Support Award
An invaluable, front-line, problem-solving professional
unsung hero of the year
An unseen and unsung asset who is making a real difference to their company
group awards
Group awards
passive fund awards
Active fund awards
Apprentice of the YeaR
A person who has demonstrated both determination and development
Rising Star of the Year
A new starter who is already impressing with their passion
Who made the shortlist?
The award
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About this category
Understanding that healthy, well-supported IT staff create a strong and productive workforce is essential for every organisation. Whether through social events, mentoring programmes, wellbeing policy or tailored support from recruitment to promotion, this award, brand new for 2020, will be presented to a company that stands a cut above the rest in the industry for attracting, supporting and retaining new starters in IT.
Congratulations!
CLICK TO REVEAl
Who's the winner?
ROCK I.T Specialists Foods Connected Velez Managed Services Cameo IPification Luminance Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) Ghyston Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting
“A very compelling and informative story.”
About the sponsor
Delta is a new market analysis service from Computing that draws its research from independently sourced end-users. It reveals the real experiences of senior IT professionals, rather than the opinion of analysts or vendor hype. As an IT Leader you will no doubt be time-poor, bombarded with information and expected to have a broad and deep understanding of every technology area, including all the latest developments. Delta provides deep and easily-digestible insight into the key technology areas for today’s IT leaders just like you.
Making the world safer, healthier and more efficient Leidos makes the world safer, healthier, and more efficient through information technology, engineering, and science. We specialise in developing and supporting large scale and innovative technology transformation programmes that are designed to deliver business improvement and efficiency. From secure cloud migration, business process optimisation and business intelligence capabilities our ability to deliver digital solutions is unmatched. At Leidos, our employees are inspired to create innovative technology solutions that solve the world’s toughest problems. We call it our culture of innovation. We are committed to investing in critical research and development efforts that respond to today’s challenges as we work to deliver the next generation of agile, cohesive solutions necessary for our rapidly changing environment. Leidos is a Fortune 500® information technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defence, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company's 40,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $12.30 billion for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2021. For more information, visit www.leidos.com/uk.
with DVLA highly commended
Attracting the most promising new talent entering the industry means offering an inclusive training scheme that sits well above the rest. The Training Scheme of the Year Award will be presented to a company that understands potential and builds strong relationships with young talent through tailored support, flexibility and resulting goal achievement.
“A forward-thinking and inclusive scheme, with excellent outcomes.”
Foods Connected Automation Logic Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Invaluable to their organisations, analysts make up an essential part of the IT industry with their technical and statistical expertise, aptitude and strategic perspective. The recipient of this award should be leading the way in data analysis, showing demonstrable skills in their professional contributions and successful results of project work.
Congratulations Patience Ndlovu
“There is something extremely humbling about somebody working hard to break their way into something and not forgetting to hold the door open and make it easier for others to do the same.”
Ben Simonds - Contino Laire Yang - KPMG UK Patience Ndlovu - Sky
with Laire Yang - KPMG UK highly commended
Apprentice of the Year
Apprentices are tasked with making a real difference to their workplace while soaking up as much experience and skill enhancement as possible. This person has worked hard to contribute towards their organisation, demonstrating the skills they have learned and the practices they have undertaken during their time as an apprentice.
Congratulations Paul Chester
“Paul has quickly become a valued member of his team, as well as contributing meaningfully in his own right.”
Molly Mail - Velez Managed Services Paul Chester - Leidos Simren Samra - KPMG
Roles centred around cloud computing are as vast and varied as the cloud itself. This award will be presented to an individual, from any role in the industry, who surpasses expectations and excels at elevating their company through their skills and professional growth.
Congratulations Alina Timofeeva
“Inspiring career journey from a challenging background.”
Sharon Sumner - Business Cloud Integration Samuel Lloyd - Contino Alina Timofeeva - KPMG Tom Asquith - Contino
Agile and adaptable, security-savvy and exceeding expectations, DevOps engineers are masters of their profession and no strangers to a challenge. The DevOps Engineer of the Year can demonstrate excellence in their role, as well as proof of how their skillset has benefitted their organisation in helping to adapt or implement DevOps within the company.
Congratulations Harley Bates
“Great example of taking on a task and seeing it through.”
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Harley Bates - KPMG Poppy Attwell - KPMG UK Aine Boyle - Contino Peter McQuilkin - Foods Connected Nathan Davies - DevOpsGroup Ltd
There is, arguably, nothing more important than information and its protection, both on- and offline. As an ever-developing area, new starters are expected to rise and deliver quickly. This award will be presented to an individual involved in key projects within their firm and who is respected within the organisation for the key role they play and ideas they have contributed.
Congratulations Lianne Potter
“Lianne has really brought her organisation on the journey of awareness, importance and influence.”
Marcus Maxwell - Contino Lianne Potter - Covea Insurance
Professional problem-solving is at the very heart of IT, and support desks are a common route into the industry. Without front-line staff making connections both internally and externally, building rapport with stakeholders and enhancing company targets by easing pain-points, satisfaction and success would certainly fall. The winner of this award is an individual with a record of supporting internal partners and stakeholders, and who has worked hard to refine their expertise.
Congratulations Matthew Greenfield
“Excellent customer-centric approach.”
Matthew Greenfield - NatWest Mudassar Ulhaq - Waverton Investment Management Maria Spindlow - Comms-care
Personal and professional technology have become staples of modern life, and developers are responsible for delivering the skilled, technical expertise required to produce the apps and programmes we use every day. The Innovative Developer of the Year Award is for a developer seeking to explore new methods of problem solving and bringing fresh ideas to the table.
Congratulations Sam Raha
“Sam is a young developer with loads of good ideas, and the skills and energy to follow through with them.”
Kevin Cadger - Revolent Group Robert Tabiner - KPMG Sam Raha - Hermes Ronan Duffey - TCW Eveline Skinner - edays
Digital innovation often involves not only extraordinary individuals but outstanding groups of peers, pooling their expertise to drive progress: a perfect training environment for new starters. This award is for a team of individuals who have combined their efforts to solve organisation challenges, bringing new entrants to IT along on the journey.
RealSAM Ltd
“Fantastic product success, driven by a geographically-dispersed team.”
Cameo Waverton Investment Management RealSAM Ltd IPification
Without support and encouragement from experienced professionals, it is easy for new staff to lack confidence while learning the ropes, or to falter in their development. This award is presented to a supportive individual who has provided assistance with setting targets, guiding mentees in skills development or their career path, getting to grips with new technology or providing emotional support.
Congratulations Matt Goodstadt
“Matt is clearly passionate about mentoring and motivating.”
Darryl Merkli - Ingram Micro Ruchir Sanghavi - Contino Matt Goodstadt - Civica Sarah Daniels - Civica Emma-Beth Anthony – Cameo Daisy Somerville - KPMG Jessica Hyam - KPMG Grace Hurrell - Foods Connected Maria Spindlow - Comms-care
with Daisy Somerville, KPMG UK highly commended
New recruits and those who guide them are often the overlooked and unseen foundations of organisations preoccupied with success and annual growth. The winner of this category is an individual who can show evidence of support for and development of new staff, while working behind the scenes.
Unsung Hero of the Year
Congratulations Evie Skinner
“Great examples of mentoring and building a strong team culture.”
Ben Clancy - Contino Andjela Djukanovic - KPMG Nicola Tse - Sky Dr Fiona Roberts - Foods Connected Simone Westcarr-York - KPMG LLP Evie Skinner - edays
Successful entrepreneurs are expected to possess an array of abilities, from creativity, persistence and integrity to decisiveness and self-discipline. This new award will be presented to a motivated individual who has launched a new business, product or idea, with strong research and preparation before launch.
Congratulations Maisie Bradley
“A great story from a young entrepreneur determined not to sit out the pandemic, but instead do something for her company and its customers.”
Phil Everhart - SmartFox Technologies Phil Melia - BreezeMove Maisie Bradley - Cameo William Robinson - Cameo
Cameo Computer ServiceS
The drive to digital requires a proactive attitude and a willingness to tackle problems flexibly. Focusing on significant achievements with digital products or innovations, this year’s Digital Person of the Year is an individual who can show how their hard work and motivation has benefited their company.
Congratulations Louise Humphreys
“A wonderful success story for both the individual and the product they have brought to market.”
Lianne Potter - Covea Insurance Adriana Katrandzhieva - Infinite Lambda Louise Humphreys - RealThing AI/RealSAM Aleksandar Brankovic - IPification Alina Timofeeva - KPMG
with Alina Timofeeva, KPMG highly commended
RealThing Ai/RealSAM
New starters are often thrown in at the deep end – especially in the last year. The Rising Star of the Year is someone who truly stands out from the crowd, who refuses to be stymied by lack of experience and who is already driving change in their organisation.
Congratulations Vibhusha Raval
“Vibhusha is definitely going places, fast.”
Stella Kazamia - University of Surrey Vibhusha Raval - GSK Ifeoma Uzoegwu – BT Group Robyn Gough - Astound Commerce Roxanne Goldfinch - Astound Commerce Paul Chester - Leidos Curtis Campbell - Hermes Rebecca Warren - Cameo Rebecca Wilson - Sky Alex Bagao - Somo
Working in financial services means dealing with huge amounts of information on a daily basis, requiring a keen mind and inquiring nature to succeed. The winner in this category showcases good market awareness, top-notch analytical skills and the knowledge of how to use technology to unlock the power of data.
Congratulations Elinor Penny
“Fast-rising self-starter with great communications skills and vision.”
Joe Byrom - Lowell Cindy Lam - Lloyds Banking Group Alexandra Rodinos - Lloyds Banking Group Mudassar Ulhaq - Waverton Investment Management Nathalie Goldstein - MyExpatTaxes Elinor Penny - Nationwide Building Society Amy McKay - KPMG Lisa Maria Koschitz - KPMG Maxine Rock - Simplybusiness Lianne Potter - Covea Insurance
The tech sector is fast-moving, and the pace of change can be off-putting to many. The last year has tested new starters’ resolution and ability more than ever before, but the wins were still there and more impressive for the adversity they’ve faced and overcome.
Congratulations Jessica Plant
“Shows great attention to detail, team and ways of working.”
Daniel Creasey - Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Kevin Cadger - Revolent Group Adriana Katrandzhieva - Infinite Lambda Samuel Lloyd - Contino Alex Brightmore - Contino Eleanor Weaver - Luminance Jessica Plant - Connex One Evie Skinner – edays Milan Nguyen - Google
Sponsored by
Connex One
At no time in recent memory has there been more demand on professional service and channel partners, as businesses have struggled to stay afloat and relied on their allies for assistance. At the same time, other firms have actually cut their contracts short in a bid to save money in the short-term. In such a volatile space, innovative new starters have had a chance to really show their mettle.
Congratulations Katie Hall
“Katie is self-motivated, obviously a hard worker and not afraid of a challenge.”
Ryan Bourne - Velez Managed Services Katie Hall - Comms-care Connor Perry - Ingram Micro Darryl Merkli - Ingram Micro
The coronavirus pandemic taxed even industry veterans. New starters may have felt like they were drowning, but truly standout individuals have risen to the challenge. The winner demonstrates evidence of their performance, support for fellow employees and work that helped to achieve business success in the last year.
Congratulations Adriana Katrandzhieva
“An impressive pivot to the tech space, supported by subsequent outstanding achievements.”
Adriana Katrandzhieva - Infinite Lambda Mudassar Ulhaq - Waverton Investment Management Paul McGrellis - Foods Connected Ltd Patience Ndlovu - Sky Maria Spindlow - Comms-care
