UK Tech Bigwigs Handed New Year Honours

A host of big names in the UK technology industry have been included on the New Year Honours list, as the government seeks to promote a market lacking in major companies.

Warren East, who recently retired as chief executive of chip designer ARM, was handed a CBE, whilst Joanna Shields, CEO of Tech City, received an OBE. Mike Bracken, executive director of the Government Digital Service, received a CBE.

Iain Gray, CEO of the Technology Strategy Board, was given a CBE too, as one of the London tech scene’s genuine achievers, Michael Acton-Smith, head of Moshi Monsters creator Mind Candy, was handed an OBE.

Women beat men in New Year Honours

Elsewhere, Dr Mary Colette Bowe, chair of Ofcom, was honoured with a DBE for services to media and communications, as co-founders of Netmums.com, Catherine Court and Siobhan Freegard, were recognised.

Dr Jenifer Fay Alys Tennison, technical director of the Open Data Institute, was handed an OBE.

ODI chairman Sir Nigel Shadbolt said: “Jeni inspires affection, loyalty and admiration in all who know her. She has a special blend of deep technical know how and an intuitive sense of what works in the world of the Web.

“In Jeni the ODI has a fantastic CTO and the open data community a great role model. It has been a privilege to work with her for over two decades and it is wonderful to see her recognised in this way.”

For the first time since the Order of the British Empire was founded in 1917, more women are on the list than men.

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