Ctrl Alt Lead

In this episode of Ctrl Alt Lead, Tom speaks with Joanna Drake, CIO and now also CTO at THG (The Hut Group), about the company’s radical IT modernisation journey.

Facing rapid growth, fragmented storage, and escalating demands for AI and machine learning, Jo led a transformation of THG’s global infrastructure with zero downtime. She discusses the strategic decision to partner with Pure Storage, the unexpected stress test that cemented that relationship, and the results that followed - including 80% power savings and a 90% fraud reduction thanks to THG's self-built Detect platform.

Jo also shares her unconventional approach to vendor selection, the value of cultural alignment, and advice for IT leaders building strategic partnerships.

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LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Joanna Drake

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Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

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Every tech vendor is trying to crack AI, but does that match up to how it's being adopted on the ground? In this episode Tom and Alex Rutter of Google Cloud talk about the difference in approach from IT leaders - focusing on governance, compliance and integration - and business leaders - eager to move quickly and pushing for quick, transformative wins. Alex outlines how Google's prioritisation of 'consumable' AI, practical tools that solve problems today, is trying to satisfy both groups.

We also explore the role of open models like Gemma, the importance of transparency in AI systems, and how agentic AI could shape the next wave of enterprise innovation.

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LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Alex Rutter

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Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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Leon Butler, IBM’s UK and Ireland CEO, explains why most generative AI models aren't fit for enterprise use and stresses the need for transparent, trusted systems. He also discusses how recent acquisitions - including HashiCorp and DataStax - support IBM’s push to automate enterprise IT. 

Leon talks about other key IT areas, like data sovereignty and regulation; agentic AI; and quantum security. He argues that this is the time to work on preparing for quantum threats, even if adoption feels distant.

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen

X: @Computing_News

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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In this episode of Ctrl Alt Lead, Tom speaks with AWS CISO Chris Betz about the evolving AI landscape and its implications for cybersecurity. They discuss the challenges and blind spots security leaders face with AI agents; the importance of proactive security measures, and the differences in AI security between public and private sectors.

Betz, who leads security across Amazon Web Services globally, talks about the clash between regulation and innovation, the UK government's moves to embrace AI for efficiency, and how AWS is securing its own AI-driven operations.

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen

Twitter: @Computing_News

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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With AI agents taking over the world, Oracle's launch of AI Agent Studio last week is exceedingly timely. UK country leader Siobhan Wilson joins Tom at Oracle Cloudworld 2025 to explain how it works, who can use it, and what it means for IT teams.

Siobhan also discusses Oracle’s $5 billion investment in UK cloud infrastructure, why demand for AI agents is growing, and whether it comes at the expense of interest in generative AI. We cover practical challenges and finish with advice for IT leaders looking to adopt AI in 2025.

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen

Twitter: @Computing_News

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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In this episode Tom talks to GitHub's VP of Developer Relations, Martin Woodward, about open source's evolving landscape and funding models, as well as the role of AI in software development.

We dive deep into GitHub's Secure Open Source fund, the importance of financial sustainability for open source projects, and how AI tools like GitHub Copilot are reshaping the developer experience.

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen

Twitter: @Computing_News / @Tom_CTG

Follow Martin on Twitter and GitHub

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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A tobacco company that wants more regulation? Javed Iqbal, Director of Digital & Transformation at British American Tobacco, describes how clear rules, plus technology, can accelerate safer alternatives to smoking.

He reveals how AI is driving breakthroughs in marketing insights, patent research and even tackling ESG issues like child labour; and describes how BAT’s investment in ethical AI, cloud and open data initiatives are setting new standards for the industry.

"Transformation has to be business-led but technology-enabled."

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen

Twitter: @Computing_News / @Tom_CTG

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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Healthcare has massive potential for tech-driven disruption, but adoption is - for good reason - cautious.

In this episode Perran Pengelly, CTO of NHS partner DrDoctor, shares insights on the challenges and opportunities of modernising healthcare delivery.

Perran explains the emerging model of hybrid healthcare, which could alleviate the mismatch between demand and capacity in the NHS. He also dives into the role of AI, and offers a perspective on private sector involvement in the UK's much-loved public health service.

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen

Twitter: @Computing_News / @Tom_CTG

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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In this episode Tom talks to Karen Byer, lead project manager and chair of UK RISE at PA Consulting, about business resource groups' role in fostering inclusive workplaces.

Karen shares practical advice for IT leaders on how to support informal groups, develop impactful initiatives, and create environments where everyone thrives - all while balancing their day-to-day responsibilities.

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen

Twitter: @Computing_News / @Tom_CTG

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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The end of the year is peak sales time, extending from Black Friday in November to the sales in January. Mattie Toia, VP of infrastructure at ecommerce platform Shopify, explains how the platform handles this “peak of peaks."

Tom and Mattie discuss the role of resilience, game-day simulations and the use of real-time data visualisation tools, as well as diving into how AI is transforming e-commerce.

And finally, there's an answer to the big question: is Black Friday a bigger peak than Christmas?

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen

Twitter: @Computing_News / @Tom_CTG

Become a member of Computing today at www.computing.co.uk

LinkedIn: @computing-- / Tom Allen / Penny Horwood

Are you an IT leader with a story to tell? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.