Ukie’s Theo Blackwell appointed as Mayor’s first chief digital officer for London

Ukie’s former head of public affairs Theo Blackwell has been appointed by the Mayor of London as his new chief digital officer.

The position, which is the first of its kind, will see Blackwell play a leading role in realising the Mayor’s ambition to make London the world’s smartest city, ensuring that the capital’s status as a global tech hub helps transform the way public services are designed and delivered and make sure they’re accessible, efficient and responsive to Londoners’ needs.

Previously, Blackwell ran Ukie’s Next Gen Skills campaign to get coding back on the national cirriculum, before moving to head up the trade body’s public affairs in 2011.

Dr Jo Twist OBE, CEO of Ukie, said of the appointment,We are delighted that London has committed to an inclusive, innovation-driven digital economy and appointed Theo Blackwell for the role of Chief Digital Officer.

"Theo has a brilliant track record as a leading transformational force in local government. He led Ukie’s Next Gen Skills Campaign which was instrumental in re-introducing Computer Science into the school curriculum in 2014 and he is a committed advocate for the power of technology for good.

"The Mayor of London has already demonstrated his commitment to London’s digital, creative economy and the opportunity it offers. Theo’s appointment is critical in reinforcing London’s position as a leader in the digital economy, recognising technology as key to an inclusive, innovative, globally competitive capital."

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "I am determined to make London the world’s leading ‘smart city’ with digital technology and data at the heart of making our capital a better place to live, work and visit. We already lead in digital technology, data science and innovation and I want us to make full use of this in transforming our public services for Londoners and the millions of visitors to our great city.

"I am delighted to appoint Theo Blackwell as London’s first Chief Digital Officer, and I know he will use his experience working in the technology sector and developing public services to improve the lives of all Londoners."