K4IT Logo

About Colin

I am an experienced CIO and IT Director with a background in leading technology for fast moving, customer focused organisations.

Colin headshot

Over the last 25 years I have built and led IT functions for multi site hospitality, retail and healthcare businesses, delivering large scale cloud migrations, new digital platforms and major cost efficiencies.

Typical responsibilities have included:

  • Defining and delivering IT and digital strategy aligned with business plans
  • Leading teams covering infrastructure, support, data and development
  • Owning capital and operating budgets, and presenting to boards
  • Managing complex vendor ecosystems and large commercial contracts
  • Improving cyber security and governance without blocking innovation

How I think about IT

“I see IT as an enabler of growth, not a cost centre.”

The right technology should:

  • Make life easier for your teams and your customers
  • Give leadership accurate, timely data for better decisions
  • Reduce operational risk and protect the brand
  • Pay for itself through efficiency and revenue gains

Good technology leadership is as much about people and communication as it is about systems. I put a lot of emphasis on listening, understanding the reality on the ground and then bringing clarity to what can often feel like a complex landscape.

Background highlights

Industry Expertise

  • CIO / IT Director roles across multi site hospitality, retail, pharmacy and restaurant groups
  • Leadership roles in retail pharmacy, healthcare, luxury retail and cinema operations

Transformation

  • Led migrations to cloud platforms such as Microsoft 365, Azure, Dynamics and modern POS
  • Delivered major digital platforms, CRM and ecommerce initiatives

Team Building

  • Built and reorganised IT teams to support rapid growth and acquisitions
  • Experienced in coaching and developing internal talent

Where I've Driven Success

The Ivy Collection

IT DirectorMay 2025 - Present

London Area, United Kingdom

Everyman Media Group PLC

Head of ITJul 2020 - May 2025

London, England, United Kingdom

Integrated Care 24

Interim Director of ITApr 2020 - Jul 2020

London, England, United Kingdom

Ann Summers

Head of ITFeb 2019 - Mar 2020

South London, England, United Kingdom

Responsible for Strategy, Team Management, Capital & Operating Budget, Development, System Testing and BAU Support for over 100 stores and e-commerce.

Day Lewis Plc

Head of IT / IT DirectorOct 2011 - Feb 2019

Croydon, United Kingdom

Managed IT for one of the largest independent Retail Pharmacy chains in the UK (270+ stores). Led In-House Development, Offshore Resources, and IT Business Strategy.

ADP Dental Company

Head of ITOct 2010 - Oct 2011

Reigate, Surrey

Transformed IT Support function and delivered ambitious IT strategy for 130 sites and 1,500 staff.

Class Technology Solutions

Technical Operations ManagerNov 2007 - Oct 2010

Head of a distributed IT Team of 45+ engineers supporting 30+ education locations and 30,000+ users.

Tiger Beer UK Ltd

IT ManagerOct 2005 - Oct 2007

Led IT Department through major transformation and ERP migration to JDE Edwards / Hyperion.

Ubevco Distributors

IT ManagerFeb 2003 - Sep 2005

Responsible for IT Support, Strategy, and Infrastructure. Migrated central CRM Sales system to mobile-based solution.

Crawfish Interactive

IT Operations ManagerNov 1999 - Nov 2002

Pivotal in major office move and managing all aspects of new office Server Room, Data Lines and Infrastructure.

Want to know more about how I can support your business?

Get in touch