Chief Digital & Information Officer

Great British Energy | Aberdeen or Edinburgh with some travel to Aberdeen. Shape the digital foundations of one of the UK's most ambitious new organisations. Harvey Nash Executive Search is delighted to be partnering with our client, Great British Energy, to appoint into their new Chief Digital & Information Officer. This is a truly unique position to join a newly created, publicly owned energy company with a mission to power Britain with clean, secure, home-grown energy. Backed by significant government investment and a long-term national mandate, we are building an organisation that will play a central role in the UK's clean energy future. GB Energy are seeking an exceptional Chief Digital & Information Officer (CDIO) to join the Executive Leadership Team and lead the creation of a truly digital-first, data-driven and AI-enabled organisation from day one. This is a rare opportunity to build the technology, data and digital capability of a national institution at the outset of its journey. With budget, headcount and delivery support already in place, you will have the mandate and resources to establish the operating model, governance, architecture and leadership team that will underpin Great British Energy's growth. The role: As CDIO, you would: - Define and deliver Great British Energy's Digital First strategy - Build the technology, data and AI foundations that support investment decisions, project delivery and operational performance - Establish the architecture, platforms and governance required to scale a modern energy organisation - Lead digital, data and AI investment across the business as Senior Responsible Owner for the Digital Investment Governance Committee - Build and lead a high-performing digital leadership team - Ensure technology investment delivers measurable business value while maintaining the highest standards of cyber security, data protection and responsible AI - Act as the organisation's executive voice on digital and technology with the Board, Executive Team and external stakeholders The Person: We are looking to hear from candidates with a proven track record in technology leadership, with specific experience of leading digital, data or technology transformation at scale. You will have successfully built teams, capabilities and/ or functions at pace and understand how technology can drive business outcomes rather than simply deliver systems. Essential Skills: - Executive-level leadership experience across digital, data and technology - A proven track record in the creation, definition and delivery of enterprise-wide Digital, Data and AI Strategy - A track record of delivering data-driven and AI-enabled transformation - Sector specific experience in the energy, renewables or utilities with an understanding of how technology enables investment, project delivery and operational performance - Experience leading complex technology programmes and supplier ecosystems - Strong commercial and investment governance expertise - Credibility with Boards, executives and senior stakeholders - Experience balancing innovation, pace and delivery with governance and risk management - Be able to be based permanently in either Aberdeen or Edinburgh (with travel to Aberdeen) – relocation can be offered for those from out with the local area. Why Join? This is more than a technology leadership role. It is a chance to build a nationally significant organisation from the ground up, shape how technology supports the UK's energy transition, and create long-term public value through digital innovation, data and AI. To discuss this opportunity in confidence, please get in touch with our recruitment partner Harvey Nash, by sending your CV in the first instance.