Chris Howes

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

Chris is the group chief digital and information officer at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). With over two decades of senior IT experience, Chris leads the Department's digital and information strategy, driving technological transformation and operational efficiency.

Since assuming his current role in September 2019, Chris has overseen the delivery of critical digital services on a national scale. He has successfully executed major transformation programmes that integrate technology and business change, enhancing service reliability and innovation within the government body.

Chris's experience spans beyond Defra (where he has also served as deputy CTO), with almost 20 years in executive roles at the Environment Agency. In his career he has led the development of organisational strategies, delivered major change initiatives and managed teams in excess of 500 staff, as well as budgets approaching £100 million a year.

Chris has significant policy development experience across the public sector, and demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability in IT. "Business efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand," he says. "The first steps to IT sustainability are founded in effective asset management, applications portfolio management and energy management."

Chris is known for his strategic insight, operational expertise, and a strong focus on efficiency. His work at Defra highlights his ability to blend technical skill with strategic vision, driving forward the department's digital transformation and ensuring it meets both current and future challenges.