Karl Nicholson FBCS,
is an award winning Technology Executive based in the UK 🇬🇧.

Currently; Director of Technical Innovation at KLM’s Blue Labs.

Before that; Technology Evangelist at Slack and before that CIO at Synaptek

Dynamic and results-driven, Karl excels in steering organisations through complex, high-stakes environments with strategic finesse and a sharp commercial focus. As a seasoned technology leader, he masterfully aligns people, processes, and technology to drive enterprise-wide success. Karl is adept at cultivating a collaborative culture and delivering influential guidance from the boardroom to the front lines, ensuring strategic initiatives and technological innovations are executed flawlessly.

His leadership not only shapes technology roadmaps but also redefines company culture and operational strategies, consistently securing robust business outcomes

Work Experience

Director Technical Innovation - KLM, Royal Dutch Airlines.

June 2023 - Present

In this role, reporting directly to the VP of Technology I was tasked with leading a comprehensive digital transformation effort within the Data & Technology organisation, in partnership with the Enabling Digital Transformation Program Management Team. My key responsibilities include; developing and guiding large-scale digital initiatives, creating and aligning digital business strategies with the Company's overall objectives, and conducting workshops to tackle complex business challenges with digital solutions. This role also involves acting as a central point of contact and coordinator for digital transformation activities, ensuring alignment with digital roadmaps, and advising on the development of digital solutions and minimum viable products (MVPs). Additionally, it involves providing expert consultation, support for complex business issues, mentoring junior staff, and maintaining agile, digital-first methodologies across business and development teams

As a secondary duty I was also tasked with maturing the use of Slack’s Enterprise Grid throughout the global data and technology team; by facilitating and implementing application integration and workflow automation to propel developer productivity.

Director Executive Programs (Technology Evangelist),
Slack, a Salesforce Company

November 2021 - June 2023

In this high-impact role, I led and guided executive customers on their digital transformation journey, supporting their success in partnership with internal account teams. I used my credibility to open doors to leaders and foster discussions that delivered the right message to the right executives at the right time. In FY23, from a standing start, my team of 3 was responsible for delivering $25.9M ACV Influence, achieving 129% of our target.

I facilitated long term engagements with C-Suite executives at key strategic accounts to understand their requirements and business objectives. This was achieved by fostering attendee interaction and peer collaboration, alongside fluidly managing and leading both virtual and in-person executive sessions. I consulted with large enterprise companies across the globe, advising on the implementation of effective digital transformation strategies.

As an industry thought leader, I gained credibility and recognition as a regular attendee, panelist, and speaker at some of the largest technology conferences in the world, including; Mobile World Congress, OMR, Slush, Slack Frontiers, and Dreamforce. I maintained a strong and credible presence in technology communities and social media channels, with articles published by The Economist, CIO.com, Enterprise Management 360, and others.

I worked closely with extended Sales and Success leaders, and cross-functional leaders to ensure programs were the right fit and aligned to priorities. I also evaluated, measured, and reported on program effectiveness, including ROI, to leadership.

CIO - Synaptek - Spherica Business Solutions

January 2019 - November 2021

Synaptek's Chief Evangelist, playing a key role in defining company culture, technology and people strategy. This role is highly collaborative, execution-oriented and requires focus in leading teams to promote internal innovation and delivery.

Provide leadership and direction for all technology within the business

  • Define company culture, values and standards

  • Build and maintain strategic partnerships and alliances with suppliers, partners, customers and stake holders, at home and abroad

  • Working cross-departmentally (Commercial, Marketing, Engineering and Customer Success) to drive alignment on key customer accounts

  • Leadership and guidance on digital transformation strategies for customers

  • Monitor changes in the technology sector to provide direction and advice on how the company can improve and develop using technology

  • Work closely with internal teams to ensure we maintain software quality and always be striving for an outstanding user experience

  • Chief evangelist for all matters around integration, automation and the future of work internally and externally

Technical Team Manager/Technical Consultant - Spherica

October 2016 - January 2019

Spherica are an IT Managed Service Provider to large enterprise.

  • Technical Authority for all aspects of the End User Computing and Core Technologies at Virgin Trains

  • Responsible for all Data Centre Operations both on premise and in Azure, ensuring delivery of critical IT Operations with functions and services performing to agreed standards

  • Facilitate design/re-design of IT Operations services, functions and infrastructure to adapt to changing business needs

  • Helicopter-view proactive evaluation of IT Operational functions and services to ensure they are fit for purpose, relevant and meet the needs of the business

  • Direction and collaboration with the delivery team; contributing as appropriate to ensure they are managing new data downloads, backups, ensuring data accuracy and completeness, as well as creating and updating documentation

  • Technical escalation point for all systems from Tier 1-3 at Virgin Trains

Infrastructure Analyst - Renault Sport Formula 1 Team

November 2015 - October 2016

Working within the Information Systems department at Renault Sport F1 Team. My role covered the implementation, management, maintenance and support of all trackside related infrastructure, applications and services, at race and test events around the world.

    • Implementation of new systems related to trackside activities

    • Validating and deploying new versions of applications required to support the running of the car

    • Continual improvement of the systems based on changing demands

    • Liaising with various departments within the Team

    • Coordinating with third-party suppliers and partners to support, maintain and implement systems

    • Tracking IT related faults throughout the F1 season

    • Data transfer management

WTCC Motorsport Project Engineer - MST Systems

March 2011 - November 2015

MST Systems are a provider of live timing and broadcast TV graphics. At MST I not only managed projects, but also played a key role in the engineering of them. I spent a large amount of time offsite working at international sporting venues and communicating with the project teams, suppliers and clients.

  • Managed several projects for the Sporting Department, working on the FIA World Touring Car Championship and European Tour Golf Championship

  • Managed a team of onsite engineers at international motorsport events, deploying highly available timing and data distribution systems

  • Design and delivery of a Microsoft SQL/Intranet server based timing system coupled with a secure Cisco results network

  • Delivering systems training to other engineers and end users

  • Involved from project inception, right the way through to delivery and aftercare

Software Engineer - Oasis Software Solutions

October 2008 - March 2011

Oasis are specialist systems integrators delivering PLC and SCADA software to public utilities companies.

  • Worked within the process automation team writing PLC/SCADA software for Siemens controllers that ran on Windows server based workstations

  • Commissioning and supporting of process control systems within the Water, Chemical, Manufacturing and Power Generation industries both within the UK and internationally

  • System user acceptance testing for software and hardware

  • Full system documentation including functional design documents and user acceptance testing schedules

  • Network architecture design and systems implementation of secure VPN technologies for inter-site control system communications

Profesional Education

  • Executive Education: Leading Digital Transformation

    Understanding the challenges and opportunities, recognising the influence of key stakeholders, structuring your business model thinking, adapting to new work methods, and optimising the benefits are all crucial elements in successfully navigating the digital transformation journey.

  • Executive Education: Innovation Through Design Thinking

    This programme is designed for executives tasked with igniting innovation within their organisations, or who seek to create innovative solutions to a major challenge.

  • CertHE Computing IT & Design

    This course delves into the significant impacts of digital technology on various aspects of society including technology, economy, politics, and ethics. It investigates the core principles of design and thinking methods that foster innovative and creative solutions.

  • Slack Certified Consultant & Admin

    Slack certified admins and consultants, provide strategic advice to businesses on how to leverage Slack effectively to meet their specific goals, which can involve training users, customising workspaces, and developing workflows that enhance productivity and collaboration.

    Certification Directory

Endoresments

  • Clara Smyth, Competitive Intel, Slack

    ”I was constantly amazed by his technical knowledge and ability to translate that into real impact/ROI for customers and the C-suite. He is a true expert and knew how to connect with customers on an unmatched level I haven't seen in my career before. He led an international team that delivered unique executive engagement experiences at custom EBRs and Slack/Salesforce conferences (Dreamforce).

    Any company would be truly lucky to have Karl on their team as he will up-level your future team with his management, executive engagement, and creative problem solving approaches. “

  • Joe Wilson, CTO, Workday

    “If you're looking to add talent with a perfect balance of vision and pragmatism, look no further than Karl. 👈 He's got technical chops and ain't afraid to use 'em! “

  • Dawn Kelso, Data & Analysis Lead, KPMG

    Karl is that rare beast - a focused, dedicated, knowledgeable, techie CIO, who is also thoroughly personable with a sense of humour. Karl and his team are incredibly forward thinking and innovative, coming up with effective, efficient solutions to every challenge I throw their way.

    Entirely unflappable, he handles any and all obstacles with ease and diligence. I can honestly say that the service and support provided is the best I've ever received. Overseeing our cloud solutions and introducing new technologies, Karl ensures we stay ahead of the curve with a rapid, responsive approach and a can-do attitude. I look forward to continuing to work with him and his team!

  • Alexander Wahlgren, Tech Manager, EGT Group

    “Working with Karl is always a pleasure, his friendly approach in combination with wide knowledge and professionalism to always deliver projects with high quality, it’s a a great experience to work with Karl, and to want to have more collaboration in the future”

  • Sam Grace, Director of Communications EMEA, Salesforce

    Karl is a fantastic communicator. He combines a deep understanding of the forces reshaping modern working practices with a strong technical understanding that help provide clarity on what an effective platform strategy is today.

    I had the pleasure of working with Karl for more than a year during his time at Slack, and we partnered on a number of media interviews and speaking engagements.

    Karl’s ability to connect with people and make complex trends and technologies accessible to all levels of an audience was paricularly impressive. The warmth, enthusiasm and positive mindset he brought were also strong assets.

    Any business would be lucky to have Karl as part of its team and helping to shape its tech strategy.

  • Helena Nacinovic, Senior Design Consultant, Salesforce

    Working with Karl is very inspiring. He is definitely a though leader when it comes to how business can automate, accelerate and become more productive. Karl shows how to be an approachable leader with great vision and no fear of change. He can get organizations moving forward and transforming, and still keep smiling and maintaining the team engaged and motivated.

  • Mary Vue, Senior Director, Business Development, Workato

    I worked with Karl from my time at Workato, where he was the Workato practice executive sponsor and one of our very best evangelists in the EU.
    It’s rare to find technical chops, business acumen, and passion all in one place. Karl is exactly that, super knowledgeable about technology, a trusted leader by customers, partners and peers, and truly passionate about innovation and digital transformation journeys.

  • Mike Harding, Network Architect, Avanti West Coast

    “Karl is always quick to see outside of an immediate problem and spot an opportunity via another avenue, often exceeding/optimising the original objective. He is able to identify what is missing in a situation not only what is wrong. A strong advisor to any team forging a path into new areas for the first time.”

  • Steve Jennings, Managing Director, Spherica

    “He has a clarity of vision that allows him to set challenging goals and objectives, always thinking about the big picture and the direction in which our business should be heading.

    He is a constant source of fresh, innovative ideas. Karl has an innate ability to see simple solutions to complex problems and the strength of character to drive through their implementation.”

  • Bal Jagpal, Database Architect, Virgin Trains

    “Karl is a very insightful individual, I have worked with Karl on many occasions and always found he added real value to any project he has been involved in.

    He is an intuitive problem solver who gets things done in a pragmatic fashion with a great sense of humour to boot!

    Highly recommended.”

 

Contact Karl