Speakers

Pooja is an accomplished senior technology leader, Chief Information Officer at Guardian Media Group, and an experienced Non-Executive Director, with over two decades of experience driving enterprise-scale change across complex, regulated organisations. She operates at the intersection of technology, data, artificial intelligence, and business strategy, supporting boards and executive teams to deliver sustainable growth, resilience, and long-term value. In her role as a Non-Executive Director, Pooja provides oversight and challenge on technology strategy, digital investment, cyber security, and AI governance. 

As the Group CIO, Pooja sets the strategic direction for Technology, Data, and AI implementation, ensuring investment is aligned with organisational purpose, and commercial outcomes. A core focus of her leadership is the responsible implementation of AI, embedding robust governance, ethical frameworks, and clear accountability to manage enterprise-wide risk.  She works closely with boards and executive committees to balance innovation with control, ensuring AI enhances decision-making and productivity without compromising trust, safety, or organisational values.

Her executive career includes senior leadership roles at British Airways, Royal Mail, Transport for London (TfL), and IAG, where she led complex, multi-year transformation programmes modernising legacy estates and strengthening cyber resilience. She is recognised for leading organisations through periods of significant change while maintaining operational stability and regulatory confidence.

Pooja is a strong advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and actively mentors future leaders, championing gender equity in STEM. Her strategic foresight, governance mindset, and disciplined approach to responsible AI adoption position her as a trusted advisor and respected voice in the technology and leadership community.