Chief Technology Officer

About Excel London

Excel London, part of the ADNEC Group, is one of Europe’s largest and most successful event venues, hosting over 400 events and welcoming around four million visitors annually from every corner of the globe. In 2024 we also welcomed the Business Design Centre (BDC) in Islington, London, an award‑winning exhibition and conference venue, giving us two iconic destinations at the heart of London’s events landscape.

Celebrating our 25th anniversary year in 2025, Excel London has embarked on an exciting chapter - including the opening of London's largest entertainment district Immerse LDN, the launch of our new 25,000sqm expansion. and a brand refresh Including a new visual Identity and a new brand mission - To be the best event destination in the World.

We know that's bold, but we believe strongly in delivering on that new mission, which is reflected in our £350million investment programme and is underpinned by our Brand Purpose #ConnectingLives.

We recognise the role that every member of our team plays in our success and our plans for the future. We pride ourselves on placing our people at the heart of our business, with a positive culture that inspires, develops, recognises and rewards our team. Our EPIC values define how we work together and deliver for our customers, communities and each other every day: Excellence, Passion, Impact and Character.

Purpose of the role

As a full member of the Excel London Executive team, the Chief Technology Officer will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction and long‑term success. This is a senior leadership position with direct influence over corporate decision making, investment priorities and the evolution of Excel London and the Business Design Centre as world‑leading event destinations.

This role spans two distinct but interconnected technology domains: (1) corporate and enterprise technology, including office systems, cyber security, data governance and internal digital tools; and (2) venue and customer‑facing technologies, including event‑time connectivity, smart‑venue systems, digital products and services for organisers, exhibitors and visitors. The CTO will balance these environments, ensuring both are modern, resilient and experience‑led.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the CTO will advise the Executive on technology, digital innovation and data‑led opportunity, ensuring our technology agenda improves operations, supports commercial growth and enhances colleague and customer experience.

Key responsibilities

1. Technology Strategy, Product Vision & Governance

• Set a clear group technology, data and digital product strategy linked to business priorities and experience goals.
• Define a cohesive set of digital products and services that elevate organiser, exhibitor, visitor and colleague journeys.
• Establish governance and investment discipline, ensuring platforms are modern, interoperable and high‑value

1. Operational Excellence & Resilience

• Own performance and resilience of mission‑critical systems: large‑scale networks, Wi‑Fi, event connectivity, CCTV, access control, safety and building systems.
• Lead technology strategy across both corporate IT environments and high‑footfall, live‑event venue systems, recognising the differing operational rhythms, risk profiles and customer expectations of each.
• Deliver robust event‑time operations with zero‑compromise availability and rapid incident response.
• Engineering Excellence: Strengthen expectations around modern engineering practices (DevOps, CI/CD, automated testing, platform engineering, architectural standards, delivery maturity, and technical governance)

1. Digital Transformation, Data & Emerging Technology

• Modernise legacy platforms, simplify architecture and drive cloud and API‑led adoption.
• Build a scalable data platform to support insight, forecasting and decision‑making.
• AI & Data Leadership: Responsibility for leading AI‑enabled innovation (predictive analytics, automation, smart‑venue technologies, data platform development, and commercial/value‑driven AI use cases).
• Champion co‑design with organisers and colleagues, embedding user‑centred design.

1. Customer & Colleague Experience, Innovation & Commercial Enablement

• Use technology innovation to improve customer experience and colleague productivity, from digital tools and workflows to event‑time services and support.
• Identify and deliver technology‑enabled commercial opportunities (premium connectivity, digital services, data products, hybrid experiences).
• Influence organisers, suppliers and partners to align behind shared experience and operational goals.

1. Cyber Security, Compliance & Assurance

• Own cyber strategy and operational security across high‑profile environments.
• Ensure GDPR, ISO 27001 and broader governance compliance.
• Maintain safety, trust and resilience for VIP and major international events.

1. Leadership, Culture, and Supplier Management

• Build and lead a high‑performing, multidisciplinary team spanning infrastructure, digital, data and product.
• Foster a modern engineering and delivery culture focused on quality, transparency and customer‑centred thinking.
• Set a clear operating model for internal teams and suppliers.

Core competencies

• Strategic Technology Leadership

Ability to define and deliver a clear technology and digital strategy aligned to organisational goals, with strong judgement about investment, prioritisation and long term technical direction.

• Digital Product & Platform Thinking

Expertise in developing user centred digital products and data platforms, integrating systems, and driving adoption to improve customer and colleague experience.

• Engineering, Operational & Cyber Resilience

Deep knowledge of large scale infrastructure, networks, cloud environments and cyber security, ensuring robust, secure and high‑availability operations in live, high‑footfall environments.

• Data, AI & Emerging Technology Innovation

Ability to harness data, analytics, predictive modelling and AI to accelerate decision‑making, automate operations and generate new commercial and experiential value.

• Multi‑Stakeholder Influence & Collaboration

Skilled at engaging senior leaders, partners, organisers and suppliers; aligning diverse interests; and driving shared outcomes across a complex, multi‑stakeholder ecosystem.

Experience

• Senior technology leadership experience (CTO / CIO / IT Director / CDTO or equivalent) in complex, operationally critical, high‑footfall or multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Proven delivery of large‑scale digital and technology transformation, including cloud migration, modern architecture, system integration and data‑platform modernisation.
• Experience leading digital product/platform development, including user co‑design and adoption at scale.
• Deep expertise in cyber security, risk management, governance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001) and high‑availability operational systems.
• Experience managing mission‑critical infrastructure (networks, Wi-Fi, access control, CCTV, building systems) in live environments.
• Demonstrable commercial acumen: ownership of CAPEX/OPEX budgets, business‑case development, and technology‑enabled revenue or efficiency gains.
• Experience working with Executive Boards: able to simplify complexity, frame strategic choices and influence investment decisions.
• Experience working with suppliers, technology partners and diverse stakeholder groups (e.g., organisers, exhibitors, public bodies).

Desirable

• Exposure to smart buildings, IoT, automation or AI‑enabled operations.
• Experience with CRM, venue management, ticketing or workflow platforms.
• Experience shaping sustainable or green‑technology programmes.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems or a related technical field.
• Postgraduate qualification desirable, such as an MBA, MSc in Technology Leadership, Data, Cyber Security, Systems Engineering, or equivalent senior‑leadership development.
• Relevant professional certifications (desirable), e.g.:
• Cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Architecture (TOGAF)
• Cyber Security (CISSP, CISM, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer)
• Evidence of continuous professional development in modern technology leadership, digital transformation, or data/AI disciplines.