Kate is VP of Business & Portfolio Management for the world’s learning company, Pearson. Since joining Pearson in 2004, Kate has led a number of major IT programmes and now heads Technology’s Business Management Team. Often described as the department’s “backbone” by the Group CIO, Kate is responsible for budget planning and management, comms and engagement, SOX compliance, shared technology platforms and a global portfolio spanning over 75 major IT programmes and an annualised budget in excess of £150 million. Besides the “day job”, Kate champions Pearson’s diversity agenda with conviction, actively leading the Global Women in Technology employee resource group, and driving diversity initiatives to increase graduate and intern opportunities.

Kate Collins, a seasoned Global Director of IT with 20+ years’ experience in leading strategic project delivery and IT Transformation across multiple industries. Proven track record in understanding business requirements and shaping strategy, ensuring delivery of large programmes that support business need and exceed customer expectations. 2nd year in the honour of being a Judge for Women in Tech Excellence Awards and continuing to champion diversity to develop and recognise women in IT.

Sophia Steiger is CFO for the HSBC Infrastructure Division (HOST). An Executive Committee member for the HOST organization and a Board Member of the HSBC Swiss Service Company. Sophia is responsible for the Cost, Financial and Performance Management of a budget of over $9bn per annum. With a global team she is focused on partnering with the business to deliver the externally committed Transformation agenda and prioritization of key investments across Operations, Technology and Property. With over twenty years of global Finance experience across Financial Services, Government, Telecoms and Retail. Sophia balances results orientated delivery, with longer team strategy development and people focus. Prior to becoming a CFO Sophia was a Consulting Partner focused on large-scale Transformation and Cost Reduction programs. Developing an industry wide specialism in IT and Property cost management; outsourcing arrangements and Service Charging arrangements. Prior to Deloitte, Sophia spent five years working in Retail following completion of her Accounting training.