Andy Richards
CIO
Amey
Andy Richards has recently joined Amey having previously worked at BAE Systems (FTSE 100) where he was CIO for their Digital Intelligence business for six years, implementing leading transformative digital, data and cyber technologies equipping the business to be more innovative and successful in its target markets.
Andy has a depth and breadth of people, technology and business enablement experience having worked across Consumer Electronics (FMCG), IT Outsourcing, Consulting, Investment Banking, Food Service, Healthcare, Manufacturing and Distribution, and Aerospace and Defence markets during his extensive career.
Andy is passionate about leadership, driving cultural change and diversity, digital and data transformation, and identifying and applying new technologies, such as AI, to the challenges of modern business.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I started out in technical roles and decided in my mid-twenties that I wanted to follow a management path. I moved roles on a regular basis and, when needed, organisations, seeking out new opportunities and gaining broader leadership experience. I actively got involved in delivering large and complex programmes, and sought out mentors to support and challenge me.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Tackle the hard stuff first!
What is the greatest challenge your CIOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
Balancing digital investment effectively across innovation, growth, productivity and safeguarding the business so that we are succeeding in all areas. We have set out a clear mission and set of objectives that shape our focus areas/prioritisation and have established strong enterprise-wide stakeholder relationships.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CIO?
Put yourself into a business-first mindset, be a leadership role model and establish strong enterprise-wide relationships.
How do you measure success as a leader?
Creating an enterprise-wide culture of diversity, collaboration, and meritocracy to enable transformational business change.
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