James Harold Email & Phone Number

London, United Kingdom

An experienced board level CIO and transformational leader able to think and act strategically, who thrives on working in complex and challenging environments. A confident and effective communicator, with a strong track record of delivering technological and business change in the UK and beyond. Specialties: Technology strategy development and execution, large scale outsourcing, cloud transformation, shared services design and set up, acquisition and developing high performing teams.

London, United Kingdom

My role was split into two areas of responsibility. The first being the management of all supporting infrastructure teams to deliver IT services, support, and projects to the business. The second area was to fulfil the role of Technical Integration Manager working closely with the business in order to successfully deliver against the recently announced merger. This included the consolidation of key offices, data centres and technology. With a strategic goal to migrate into cloud based services whilst addressing security risks. Having received praise from my performance at my previous role at TilneyBestinvest for the delivery of critical business led projects, which included a merger and office moves. I was keen to use my experience and knowledge to assist Just Group in successfully merging both companies as quickly as possible. I worked closely with my team throughout this period of major change to ensure they remain focused and challenged, whilst constantly striving to improve service levels.Key achievements in this role to date are:· Move and consolidation of Data Centres· Review of IT Services and implementation of CSI identifying critical service improvements· Introduction of critical missing policies and procedures · Implementation of Server Antimalware solution· Microsoft health check engagement, producing criticality report which now forms part of the CSI.· Leveraging vendor support benefits to reduce risk including Dell, Varonis, Microsoft, Trend, Palo Alto)· Successfully delivery of disaster recovery test post the last failure in 2014.· Project Management of Infrastructure led integration activities including core datacentre move · Introduction of regular team and individual reviews including performance reviews

London, United Kingdom

Having initially been recruited to develop a Service Improvement Plan to position the IT function for an acquisition, I outlined necessary changes to the management committee to ensure the function was aligned with the overall business strategy. The full IT operation now falls under my remit, including development, architecture and support. In addition to steering the IT strategy I have delivered several global projects, implemented industry best practices and ensured legislative compliance whilst driving company growth. As an ITIL certified professional one of my key focuses was on the implementation of ITIL standards alongside team training on ITIL frameworks. Key achievements in this role include:- Reducing operating costs and minimising risk by formalising financial and contract management processes - Building a cohesive and motivated team focused on turning around the previously negative image of the function across the rest of the business- Successfully delivering major IT projects including the integration of an acquisition, a desktop virtualisation, a data centre move, replacement of the phone system and a service desk implementation - Conducting due diligence on a joint venture programme, resulting in approval- Introducing management reporting for key metrics and KPIs

London, United Kingdom

During this time I developed and led global infrastructure teams, including support and architecture, with a focus on improving KPIs. I took a collaborative approach to identifying priorities with the team and mitigating risks and issues. Again implementation of ITIL standards was a priority. I had full control of the IT budget, including forecasting, and had considerable input into the development of information security policies. Key achievements in this role include:- Project managing the timely, cost effective and successful delivery of numerous core IT infrastructure projects- Successfully transitioning an outsourced IT function into an internal function with responsibility for end-to-end service delivery in line with legal and regulatory requirements- Establishing a continual service improvement programme to monitor risk and improvement projects through to closure to ensure compliance with industry regulations- Project managing global infrastructure initiatives including a global WAN, server and desktop virtualisation, a new disaster recovery site, company websites and core applications- Implementing standard global contract and financial management processes, enabling more accurate budgeting and more efficient review and renegotiation of services- Receiving recognition for facilitating business growth during the economic downturn - Improving IT security through the introduction of regular penetration testing- Achieving challenging deadlines for the completion of a head office relocation - Leading the global roll-out of a bespoke Microsoft Dynamics CRM- Setting up business operation in line with country legislation

My key focus in this role was to deliver enhanced IT services through the effective leadership of support teams in the UK, Switzerland and Hong Kong. I set individual, team and departmental objectives and provided coaching, which significantly improved results. By fostering robust relationships with suppliers, I was able to leverage their capabilities, deliver value for money and achieve optimum terms. I maintained quality standards by monitoring performance, system capacity, budgetary controls, SLAs and KPIs, and ensured compliance with governance standards, ITIL frameworks, legislation and best practices. My commitment to staying abreast of emerging technologies enabled me to develop persuasive business cases and benefit analysis for early adoption.Key achievements in this position include:- Reducing support time through the introduction of a hardware and software approval process - Leading the migration of local helpdesks to a global service desk - Delivering high-level support for the opening of a new office in Singapore

I was responsible for managing both front and back office support, across multiple locations. I worked closely with the business in the UK and Europe, to ensure that my team delivered an exceptional level of support. Reviewing and improving the ITIL framework, including financial management, change control, incident management and project management.