According to research conducted by Accenture, the UK’s C-suite includes some of the most technologically proficient executives globally. The technology service provider assessed CEOs and board members from thousands of companies worldwide and discovered that 23% of senior leaders in the UK possess a technology background. This includes individuals who have worked in technology roles at tech companies, held decision-making positions related to technology, or possess skills in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, data management, or cybersecurity.
Additionally, a similar trend is seen among FTSE 100 executives, where a quarter of senior leaders and 19% of CEOs have a background in technology. These statistics surpass those from other global regions, with only 16% of board or C-suite members in Europe having technology experience, 20% in France, and 22% in North America.
“Britain’s top businesses have rapidly enhanced their technology talent, reinforcing the UK’s position as not only a center for scientific and technological heritage but also a leader in technology within Europe,” remarked Emma Kendrew, Accenture’s UK technology lead. “As generative AI prompts businesses to reevaluate their operations, it is essential for top-level executives to have a strong understanding of technology.”
As AI becomes increasingly integral to business strategy, many organizations are finding it challenging to implement their AI initiatives fully due to a shortage of employees with the necessary technical skills. This points to a growing demand for technology-savvy leaders, and some companies have begun to create chief of AI roles to address this.
Leaders today are notably more tech-savvy than three years ago, when only 17% of the C-suite in the UK had technology experience. Additionally, many believe that hiring more women could help bridge the skills gap in the UK by broadening the talent pool and mitigating biases in AI and technology stemming from non-diverse teams. Accenture reported that among the 40% of British businesses led by women, nearly one-third have a background in technology, compared to just 18% of male leaders in similar positions.
“It’s incredibly encouraging to see the technological expertise women are bringing to leadership roles today,” stated Kendrew. “With organizations focusing on long-term growth, diverse teams contribute a variety of perspectives that foster innovation. Emerging technologies like AI hold the potential to benefit all sectors and regions across the UK.”
Evolving Roles
The requirements for roles in the UK’s C-suite are evolving with technological advancements—40% of C-level positions advertised in the past year have revolved around data utilization, such as chief data officers, while 5% of FTSE 100 companies are now seeking leadership roles in data or AI. However, the UK faces a slight shortfall, with only 1% of business leaders possessing expertise specifically in data and AI, compared to the global average of 2%.
It is evident that as technology becomes further ingrained in everyday life and work, individuals across all business sectors, industries, and roles will need to develop technology skills.
