Sharon Prior

Part of the IT Leaders 100 - a list of the most influential IT leaders in the UK in 2024.

As the CIO at Heathrow Airport, with a prior role at Card Factory, Sharon has spearheaded digital transformations centred on innovative IT solutions, enterprise architecture, and robust cybersecurity measures. Her blend of a business and law background, enriched by a deep understanding of forensic psychology from her Master of Law studies, empowers her to lead with insight into human behaviour. This interdisciplinary approach enhances Heathrow's IT strategies and team dynamics, fostering a more adaptive and resilient IT function. Passionate about integrating technology with psychological insights, Sharon aims to drive efficiency and security that meet modern challenges.

How did you get into IT?

My entry into IT was fuelled by a passion for lifelong learning and a desire to apply my background in business and law in innovative ways. While my academic journey began in fields seemingly distant from technology, I was captivated by the transformative power of IT in reshaping industries, including those I was familiar with. This realisation sparked a self-directed journey into the world of digital technology, where I eagerly absorbed everything from coding basics to complex system architectures. My diverse background became a strength, allowing me to approach IT challenges with a unique perspective that blends strategic business thinking with a passion for continuous improvement.

What do you consider your greatest IT achievement of the last 12 months?

My greatest IT achievement in the past year has been leading a comprehensive redesign of the IT operating model at Heathrow Airport to enable our ongoing digital transformation. This redesign involved developing and integrating new capabilities in enterprise architecture and enhancing our cybersecurity framework. These efforts have laid a solid foundation for adopting advanced digital technologies and have streamlined our IT processes to be more agile and responsive to the needs of the business.

As a result, we're not only better equipped to handle the complexities of modern digital operations but also more secure against evolving cyber threats, ensuring safer, more efficient travel experiences for our passengers.

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

Diversity in IT recruitment is a cornerstone of our hiring strategy. We employ a multifaceted approach to ensure inclusivity, starting with bias-free recruitment practices such as anonymised CVs and structured interviews. Our hiring panels are diverse, bringing different perspectives to the decision-making process. We actively collaborate with organisations that focus on increasing representation of underrepresented groups in tech, and we extend our outreach to diverse talent through internships and apprenticeship programs.

By fostering an inclusive culture and actively seeking diverse candidates, we not only enrich our team's creativity and innovation but also reflect the global community that Heathrow Airport serves.

Which technology are you currently most excited by, and why?

AI is the technology I find most compelling at the moment. Its ability to process and analyse vast amounts of data far exceeds human capability, enabling efficiencies and insights that were previously unattainable. At Heathrow, we are exploring AI's potential to enhance passenger experiences through tailored services and streamlined airport operations, from security checks to flight scheduling.

AI's transformative impact on both customer service and operational efficiency excites me because it plays a critical role in our journey towards becoming a smarter, more responsive airport.

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

An outsider might be surprised to learn how integral empathy and a deep understanding of human experiences are to my role as CIO. While the focus often seems to be solely on technology, the core of my job is about enhancing human interactions through technological solutions. Whether it's improving passenger experiences or making the workplace more inclusive for our colleagues, the aim is to use technology to address real human needs and challenges. This human-centric approach to technology often requires as much intuition and emotional intelligence as it does technical expertise.

What's your secret talent?

My secret talent lies in the field of forensic psychology, an area I delved into during my Master of Law studies. This expertise enables me to apply psychological principles within the context of people issues, offering insights into human behaviour that are crucial for understanding and managing complex IT challenges and team dynamics.

The skills I've developed through forensic psychology help me approach problem-solving from a nuanced perspective, enhancing my ability to anticipate potential human factors in security breaches and effectively lead diverse teams. This interdisciplinary talent not only informs my strategic decisions but also enriches my leadership, contributing to a more holistic approach to IT management at Heathrow.

What makes you laugh?

Humour is a vital part of my day-to-day life, and I find joy and laughter in the simple, often unexpected moments. Whether it's a clever pun, a spontaneous joke from a colleague, or the amusing mishaps that sometimes happen in the fast-paced world of IT, I appreciate humour that is witty and light-hearted. Sharing a laugh with my team not only strengthens our bond but also keeps our spirits high amidst the complexities of our work.