John Wyldbore MBCS

Digital, Data & Technology Transformation Leader with 25+ years' experience shaping enterprise-wide change across manufacturing, retail and government sectors. Proven track record defining technology strategy, modernising operating models, strengthening governance, improving organisational resilience and leading complex transformation programmes that deliver measurable business value. Trusted advisor to executive stakeholders, shaping prioritisation, investment decisions and transformation roadmaps.

Recognised for combining strategic vision with operational discipline to stabilise services, accelerate innovation, improve data-driven decision making and deliver sustainable outcomes.

Head of IT Innovation at Forterra Building Products PLC (2018-01 – 2026-07)

Senior leadership team member responsible for digital, data and technology transformation across a £300m+ UK plc manufacturing organisation. Partnering with executive stakeholders to modernise operating models, improve organisational capability, strengthen governance and deliver strategic technology investments aligned to business growth, operational excellence and risk management.

• Defined and delivered a digital, data and technology strategy aligned to business growth, margin improvement, cost reduction and regulatory compliance
• Established enterprise demand management and portfolio governance frameworks, improving prioritisation, accountability and transformation delivery performance
• Developed a roadmap for enterprise platforms spanning operations, HR, health & safety, marketing, finance and commercial functions
• Introduced an AI-first strategy incorporating Microsoft Copilot, intelligent automation and conversational agents to improve productivity and employee experience
• Developed a vision for a proactive, ticketless service model through automation, workflow orchestration and self-service capabilities
• Implemented a vendor-led operating model, improving scalability, service resilience and access to specialist expertise
• Directed audits, risk management, disaster recovery and compliance activities, strengthening organisational resilience and governance maturity
• Optimised technology spend through application rationalisation and cost transparency, reducing overall IT costs by 7%
• Led selection and implementation of strategic business platforms including ERP, CRM, TMS (Ortec & Microlise), BI, HR, Integration, ITSM and telecommunications solutions
• Defined a data modernisation strategy focused on quality, governance and analytics capability to support evidence-based decision making
• Defined & implemented enterprise AI strategy aligned to business priorities and operational efficiency objectives
• Led adoption of Microsoft Copilot and AI-enabled capabilities across multiple business functions
• Introduced intelligent automation solutions to eliminate manual processes and improve employee productivity
• Developed governance approaches for responsible AI adoption and emerging technologies
• Established an AI-first vision for business transformation and service delivery innovation

Business Analyst at Figleaves.com Ltd (2011-03 – 2017-12)

Senior leadership team contributor driving operational and customer experience transformation for a leading e-commerce retailer. Recognised as a future director, contributing to strategic planning and innovation by the board.

• Redesigned the customer journey, boosting NPS by 25% and profitability by 30%
• Led revamping warehouse operations with new WMS tech integration and layout redesign, enabling faster next-day delivery
• Aligned IT initiatives with commercial, finance, and logistics teams, improving operational efficiency by 10% through error reduction

Business Analyst at iSmart Consumer Solutions Ltd (2010-07 – 2011-02)

Drove actionable insights from marketing and financial data to drive campaign performance and operational efficiency.

• Converted raw data into strategic insights, boosting campaign ROI by 12% through targeted marketing
• Partnered with finance and commercial teams to streamline reporting and cut manual effort by 15%
• Built dashboards and KPIs, accelerating data-driven decisions and improving response times to operational issues

Service Delivery Analyst at Foreign & Commonwealth Office (2005 – 2010)

Delivered secure, high-availability IT services supporting global consular operations and diplomatic missions.

• Deployed KPI reporting packs, enabling performance tracking and service improvement across international platforms
• Conducted global data analysis, enhancing application availability and operational resilience for critical services
• Ensured secure access to sensitive data, supporting consular teams in high-pressure environments with robust IT infrastructure

IT Business Systems Analyst at Anglia Regional Co-op Ltd (2005 – 2009)

Led retail technology transformation across stores and logistics operations, pioneering innovations later adopted by national chains.

• Deployed self-scanning checkouts, later adopted by Tesco, enhancing customer experience and increasing throughput
• Rolled out EPOS across retail and forecourts, standardising systems and boosting transaction reliability
• Optimised logistics through data-driven scheduling, achieving 93% vehicle load capacity

BSc Hons in Computer Science – Nottingham Trent University (2002 – 2005)

3 A-Levels – Hereward Community College (2001 – 2002)