Page 26 - 2018 Powerlist

The Top 10

6

Jacky Wright

Chief Digital and
Information Officer,
HMRC

t’s probably fair to say that, careerwise, it’s been an excited to be joining the UK’s tax authority at such a pivotal
interesting year for Jacky. Her promotion earlier in 2017 time in its history.
Ito corporate VP and interim CIO of the global IT giant “I am passionate about the impact innovation can have
Microsoft made her one of the most senior black women in in truly transforming services for people and businesses in
tech. a positive way and want to continue the great work being
She was one of only two women of colour at Microsoft done within HMRC and across the Civil Service at this time. I
to have earned the title of corporate VP, where she was in am proud to represent women and BAME in technology and
charge of the corporation’s IT Strategic Enterprises Services will continue to promote the vital role of diversity within our
and oversaw the team that tests products and develops a industry and more broadly.”
strategy to make them ready for public consumption. Prior to Microsoft, Jacky held a range of senior positions
But note our use of the past tense. In October, Jacky left within the IT industry, including CIO roles at GE and senior
Microsoft to take on a role that makes her one of the most management roles at Accenture, AutoNation and Ryder.
senior women in a tech role anywhere in the UK, becoming Originally from north London, Jacky has a keen desire
Chief Digital and Information Officer at HM Revenue & to address social issues, using her position in the industry
Customs. to right inequalities of opportunity when she can. “When
Her appointment was formally ratified by the Prime I think of the lack of opportunities for under-represented
Minister. people, I think it is incumbent on people like myself to push
Jacky, who is known for her unstinting support of diversity to ensure they have the right opportunities in technology,”
issues, says: “There could not be a better time in the history she says.
of technology to demonstrate the power of technology “So I think ‘How can I utilise my influence to help an
innovation at an organisation such as HMRC. I am really agenda such as this?’”

22 Powerlist 2018