Simon Hamblin

I am a CEO and CIO with 29 years’ experience in technology strategy, business transformation, large-scale programme delivery and change across retail, travel and finance industries. Following an early developer career, where I built some of the first enterprise-level ecommerce platforms for John Lewis and SkyOne, I joined ASOS and progressed to Head of Technology driving the infrastructure, ecommerce and mobile transformations that grew the brand to the largest fashion ecommerce retailer in the world. As a CEO, I’ve founded and launched the UK’s first Bitcoin and precious metals exchange specialising in Blockchain technology and the UK’s first streaming TV and movie aggregator, and as CIO of a wealth management company I managed an IT re-platforming whilst transitioning the business to the UK. As a confident and transformational leader I have regularly given keynote speeches, hosted multiple panels and round table events and have won awards both in retail and finance technology. I have started companies and closed down companies. I've hired over 300+ people in my career and made difficult decisions to let some go. I am a non-executive director within my own investments and very familiar with being part of a board of directors and working alongside CxOs. I can work in the clouds and I can work in the dirt. I have always been passionate about technology which gives me the unique advantage of working on the ground with teams, enthusing them and being enthused!