Lesley Salmon

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

Lesley joined Kellogg in 2014, serving as the European CIO. She had geographic coverage of all European countries plus Russia, Egypt and the UAE and had regional accountability for Information Technology, Global Business Services and the European Enterprise PMO. She played a key role in operational, tactical and strategic execution across all areas of the business, driving growth initiatives and delivering multi-million-dollar savings. In 2019, she was appointed to Senior Vice President, Chief Digital & Information Officer at Kellanova (previously Kellogg Company), and is a member of Kellanova's executive committee. Prior to Kellogg, she had more than two decades of experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry.

How did you get into IT?

I "grew up" in the IT industry, learning on the job, so not a traditional education background. When I realised I wanted a career and not a job I found my path into the IT world, with a director who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to join the company's graduate programme. I studied Computer Studies at school and as well as enjoying it, I was really good at it! So, when an opportunity for a role in the IT function came up, I jumped at the chance.

My first interview for a job in IT was also the first time I experienced discrimination due to my gender, when I was informed that "even the men" found the shifts very difficult. That was it - from that moment I was determined to prove that females could be successful in IT - and anything else they choose to do!

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

In October 2023, the Kellogg Company separated into two public companies: Kellanova, a global snacking-led powerhouse, and W.K. Kellogg, a North American cereal business. Splitting Kellogg Company, which employed 31,000 people globally - and the myriad of systems that make it tick - called for strategy and intention from an IT perspective. The spin required navigating IT systems and creating platforms fit to scale two new operating companies.

My team served as the engine that balanced the needs of the spin, alongside the demands of the existing company's IT change portfolio, against the backdrop on an ever-changing tech landscape, and I'm so proud of our work to make the transition seamless.

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

Throughout my career I have been, and remain, a true advocate for the advancement of women in business, a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and champion of multicultural diversity inside and outside the company. I'm the Exec Sponsor for the K Pride & Allies ERG, helping to bring our vision and purpose to life by supporting LGBTQ+ communities around the world. My leadership team and I role model an inclusive culture, which invites colleagues at every level of the team to play their part in creating the future of Kellanova IT.

Growing up in a working class family, as the daughter of a milkman, I strive to break down socio-economic boundaries. One part of this is to take all levels of experience into account, regardless of their educational achievements.

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

I'm most excited about helping my commercial colleagues realise the benefits of AI and machine learning and how we can turn data insights into business opportunities. Data is our single source of truth; when we get it right, we can truly live by our purpose: to create a seat at the table for everyone, fight food insecurity and combat climate change.

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

Outside of IT, the team has been working hard to create a digitally fit workforce at Kellanova through the enterprise-wide global learning programme Work Smart, which sees colleagues embracing the latest suite of modern workplace solutions. By adopting Microsoft Teams as the primary collaboration platform, the team has fostered a culture of seamless communication, real-time collaboration, and innovation across all levels of the organisation. This digital workplace transformation has redefined how our colleagues work together as they collaborate to drive results. With the advent of AI and gen AI and tools like Copilot, there is much more coming in this space.

What's your secret talent?

To make someone feel great about themselves, every day.

What makes you laugh?

Mr. Bean, played by the wonderful Rowan Atkinson, the best for laugh out loud moments!