by Thomas Macaulay

University of Sussex appoints Jason Oliver as Director of IT

News
Jul 17, 2018
CareersGovernmentMedia and Entertainment Industry

Science Museum Group Director of IT Jason Oliver has been appointed Director of ICT Services at the University of Sussex and tasked with heading the university’s new IT and digital strategy.

Oliver will be joining Sussex University in the autumn after three years at the Science Museum Group, where his achievements have earned him successive appearances in the 2017 and 2018 editions of the CIO 100.

During his time at Science Museum Group, Oliver restructured the IT department, moved it from an ageing on-premise technology estate into a modern data centre, led a project to digitise the museum’s collections and introduced a range of innovations, such as a new CRM platform to build personalised relationships with visitors.

Prior to joining the Science Museum Group, Oliver had spells as the Head of Technology Operations at the Royal Opera House, as CIO at Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation and as a policy manager at the Home Office.

“I am hugely looking forward to joining Sussex and the IT Services Team at such an exciting time,” Oliver said in a press release announcing his new role, which he will take up in mid-September.

“With the launch of the University’s new vision, we have an opportunity through digital technology to deliver an innovative service, which not only supports everyone working on our campus and beyond, but also paves the way for Sussex to become IT leaders within the higher education sector.”

Oliver was a speaker at the 2017 CIO Summit, and also contributed to the 2018 CIO 100 podcast discussing why CIOs need to be authentic leaders.

Dr Tim Westlake, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Sussex, added: “I am delighted to appoint Jason as Director of IT Services. He brings with him a wealth of experience in leading teams to deliver outstanding digital and IT transformation projects.

“Our IT Services are key to delivering our new strategy and ensuring that Sussex is a university of the future. Jason has shown he is an innovative leader in his field and will help us achieve a world class service for our students, staff and academic community.”

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