Durham University appoints new Chief Information Officer

James brings over 20 years’ experience in technology leadership roles across Higher Education, Financial Services, and UK Government, most recently as Director of Learning and Information Services for the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).  

James is also a serving Board Member of UCISA, the Higher Education membership organisation that supports digital and technology teams and practitioners across the sector. 
 
Technology leadership 

James will be a member of the University’s senior leadership team, reporting to Stephen Willis, Chief Financial Officer. He will implement the University’s Digital Strategy and lead on delivering an Information Technology (IT) provision which supports and enables delivery of the University’s Strategy for 2017-2027. He will also ensure the University’s cyber defences are proportionate to the ever-changing cyber landscape.  

A passionate advocate of digital technology  

In recent years, James has led the development and implementation of UCLan’s technology, digital, and cyber security strategies. This has included the launch and adoption of a sector-wide initiative to support digital academic development known as “Digilearn”, that continues to develop today. 

James said: "I'm thrilled to be joining Durham's Senior Leadership Team as Chief Information Officer, to lead the continued evolution and development of the University's Digital Strategy.  

“There has never been a more exciting time to be in Higher Education, with so many opportunities for innovation and improvement, I'm really looking forward to leading the Computing & Information Services (CIS) team and working alongside colleagues across the organisation to enable and deliver the University's ambitions for the future." 

Stephen Willis, Chief Financial Officer at Durham University, said: “James brings a proven track record of the development and delivery of strategic, tactical and operational IT programmes and educational technology enablement across a range of complex and highly student and customer-focused environments. 

“I very much look forward to working with James as he leads the University’s digital journey that centres around our students, colleagues and the wider Durham community.”