Sheridan Ash, the founder and co-CEO of Tech She Can, just earned the title of the 13th Most Influential Woman in UK Tech from Computer Weekly. The Most Influential Women in UK Tech list began in 2012 with 25 entries and expanded to 50 in 2015, currently attracting hundreds of nominations annually.
The list celebrates remarkable women in tech, highlighting role models that can motivate the next generation of female tech leaders. This year, over 700 women received nominations for the 2024 longlist. There’s also a Rising Stars section and a Hall of Fame to honor those who’ve significantly impacted the UK’s tech landscape.
Sheridan launched Tech She Can to educate girls and young women about opportunities in tech and to inspire diverse talent in the field. Before her charity work, she led technology innovation at PwC UK, significantly boosting the percentage of women in tech roles to 32%. She also received an MBE in 2020 for her service to young women through technology.
Then there’s Timperley, a freelance consultant and co-founder of Tech North Advocates, which promotes tech expertise in Northern England. In 2021, she co-founded Growth Strategy Innovation, helping startups grow. As innovation director for Oxford Innovation, she builds ecosystems that support entrepreneurs.
Turner founded Angel Academe, a group for female and diverse angel investment in tech. She also co-founded consultancy Turner Hopkins and served on the advisory board for tech recruiter Spinks. Her experience includes chairing an investment committee for the Low Carbon Innovation Fund.
Hunter took steps in 2017 to support Black female software developers by starting Coding Black Females. Alongside her work at the organization, she is a software developer and holds various key technical roles. She was recognized as a Rising Star by Computer Weekly in 2020.
Niblett’s tech career includes leading roles at DXC Technology and 1E, and now she’s an MP focused on equal opportunities in tech through the Labour: Women in Tech group. She co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on FinTech and serves on the Women and Equalities Select Committee.
Brailsford became CEO of Code First Girls in 2019 to drive female participation in tech. Before that, she led performance management firm Frisbee and focused on diversity while being part of the Institute of Coding.
At Oliver Wyman, O’Neill heads digital initiatives globally, while also acting as a strategic partner at FutureDotNow. Sillem has moved up from a 12-year tenure at the Royal Academy of Engineering to CEO, actively engaging with several influential engineering organizations.
Lakhani’s Century Tech focuses on AI and big data in education, and she’s a frequent speaker on these topics. McKenna supports female entrepreneurs in Ireland through her co-founded social enterprise, AwakenHub.
Thorne, also of Tech She Can, works on increasing women’s representation in tech and has a strong educational background. Williams leads FutureDotNow, ensuring people keep pace with digital changes.
Wright draws on her law background at The Institute of AI and Harbottle & Lewis, focusing on AI regulation. Mehta’s 30 years at KPMG included essential roles in trade and investment and she now chairs the organization.
From diversity efforts with Muslamic Makers to leading TechReturners to help those re-entering the workforce, Farooq and Taylor exemplify commitment to inclusivity. At Ofcom, Dawes oversees work in various sectors, following her extensive civil service background.
Chester is now CTO of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, driving tech initiatives while Martin advises startups and coaches in tech. Brock leads OpenUK in ethical tech development, and Moore brings her education experience to Apps for Good.
Tanaka collaborates with healthcare providers at All4Health&Care and has conferred with the BCS.
In policy-making, Calista plays a role at UK scaleup Vorboss, while Kelisky leads Google Cloud’s efforts in the UK. Ibrahim is the first COO of Google DeepMind, pushing advancements in AI.
Philpot’s expertise spans sales and development, currently serving Getty Images. Hodson now leads IBM in the UK and Ireland after a strong career in consulting and sales. Savage blends her engineering skills with a passion for social mobility.
Kirkby stepped into the CEO role at BT Group, following a diverse leadership path in telecoms. Barclay has progressed through Microsoft, now leading their enterprise efforts.
Agoro founded BYP Network, focused on connecting black professionals to job opportunities. At Sky, Wallace promotes inclusive strategies within their technology teams.
Scullion works to inspire young women in computer science through her nonprofit dressCode. Tulip’s role at Conquer Technology emphasizes growth, while Moore leads the data analytics firm Panintelligence.
As global identity chief at Sky, Moore guides identity projects while contributing to community development. Axente champions ethical AI at PwC, shaping its applications for a better future.
White runs Nash Squared and has completed various tech roles, while Bentinck promotes startups and writing. Hirt strides into fintech leadership, fostering inclusivity and innovation.
In recruitment, Davis champions diversity through her platforms while leading initiatives for impact. Keast-Butler makes history at GCHQ, focusing on security and defense.
Opong’s community work aligns with her tech role in cloud engineering, promoting diversity and inclusion. Munby’s government experience positions her uniquely as the permanent secretary for Science, Innovation, and Technology.
Crosswell leads Exadin and other organizations, having been recognized for her contributions to finance. Graham’s leadership at ScaleUp Institute reinforces the economy through her extensive advisory roles.
Bahrololoumi drives digital transformation as the CEO of Salesforce in the UK, holding significant board positions and accolades. Gardner’s tech background spans major companies, and she contributes to local community initiatives.
Cardell has risen through the ranks at the Competition and Markets Authority and has a rich legal background. Sinel focuses on empowering youth through AI initiatives, shaping the next generation of tech innovators.