Russ Fry

Part of the IT Leaders 100 - a list of the most influential IT leaders in the UK in 2023.

An experienced and motivated IT leader, Russ has more than 26 years of experience in the IT industry. Under his leadership, PA Consulting played a significant role in the UK's Covid-19 response.

How did you get into IT?

I was the IT kid that taught the IT teacher about computers in the 90s! With A* to C GCSE grades, the teachers were sorry to see me leave school to formally start my working career in IT with IBM on a two-year IT apprenticeship scheme. I aced the programme, gaining three NVQs in 18 months, before moving to a company where in 14 years, I went from Helpdesk Analyst to Head of I&O (earning my ITIL Expert badge whilst also studying for my OU degree). My love of IT had me Chartered with the BCS in 2019.

How do you ensure diversity is taken into account in your IT recruitment?

A quarter of our technology team is female, and we've sharpened up our job descriptions to attract the most expansive talent pool out there. We have five networks for people to feel part of and talk about these at the interview stage, including RISE (Racial Inclusion and Social Equity), MILNET (Military Network) and our Women's Network, which is focused on supporting career advancement and progression for women at PA.

I'm the Technology team champion of PA's allyship group, which provides an excellent opportunity to understand further the impact of benevolent sexism on women's progression and how to make the workplace more equitable. We think there is more to do, and we're looking at schemes that allow people to relaunch their careers in IT.

Which technology are you currently most excited by?

Metaverse with wearables - how can I bring my local gym to me in time for when my local council plans to implement a £5 daily charge to travel there? How can sensors, clothing and devices make my muscles feel like they're swimming when I'm in my lounge?!

What would an outsider find the most surprising part of your job?

I need to do everything you'd expect as an IT department leader for over 4000 users in a company whose purpose is to leapfrog the current technology boundaries. It makes for great career development!

What's your secret talent?

I'm renowned for getting very tired, very quickly! My friends always know that I will slope off from a party, but they can't tell when so that keeps them on their toes to keep me entertained!

What makes you laugh?

Listening to children in my other role of local school governor and reflecting on how inconsequential some adult life worries are!