Rashik Parmar MBE has today been announced as the new Group CEO of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
Rashik, formerly VP Technology for IBM in Europe, takes over from acting CEO Rob Deri, who remains part of the senior executive team. He will take up his post at BCS on 1 October this year.
Over four decades at IBM, Rashik helped drive its European technology strategy with a focus on guiding companies toward digital transformation and cloud computing.
A Fellow of both IBM and BCS, Rashik gained his MBE for helping local businesses and for his work at IBM’s Academy of Technology. He is also a Visiting Professor at Imperial College London.
Rashik chaired the Employment and Skills Panel of the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for seven years. The panel has helped over 380,000 adults develop the skills needed to stay in employment.
A recognised thought-leader, Rashik pioneered the creation of value for customers using data and analytics. He also chairs BCS’ Fellows Technical Advisory Group (F-TAG), which explains the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies.
Rashik recently helped to found a new radio station, Rangoli Radio, which serves the Hindu community.
Rashik said: “I became a member of BCS in 1981 as a student because I wanted to show my commitment to making IT Good for Society, as well as being proud to have professional recognition. Even then it was clear that computing and tech would shape the world’s future.
“That’s why I’m a member today and why I am honoured to have been chosen by the Trustee Board to lead the professional body for information technology.
“We’re still just beginning to see the full potential of digitisation to solve the world’s great challenges in a sustainable way. So I want BCS to be the home for every tech professional who recognises the power we have to transform lives and who wants to have a say in how that power is used.
“Let’s create a global community of trusted, ethical professionals from cyber security to climate change, who all care about growing diversity and inclusion in their fields, and closing the digital divide.”
BCS President Mayank Prakash said: “The selection of Rashik Parmar as the new CEO marks the start of a new chapter for BCS. I am delighted that Rashik brings us an unrivalled level of experience gained from a distinguished career in international technology leadership. He has the vision to grow and broaden the impact of BCS as technology plays a pivotal role in solving mankind’s biggest challenges, like providing universal access to good health, food and water, education, safety and information.
“On behalf of all board members, I would like to thank Rob Deri for his leadership during this period of transition. Our Deputy President Gillian Arnold and I are delighted he will continue in a senior executive leadership role.”
Chair of BCS Council, Sharon Moore MBE said: “As our voice and impact continues to grow on the key issues, Rashik will accelerate the next stage of our development and help guide the IT profession through its most exciting and influential era. The entire BCS community of technologists – who are reshaping the future of industries – is looking forward to supporting him to make that happen.”
Acting CEO Rob Deri said: “Rashik will be an inspirational leader for BCS and it is a pleasure to hand over to him, as we continue to our deliver on the four pillars of our strategy: Developing our membership, helping technologists to progress throughout their careers, inspiring new entrants to the profession, and making our expertise and influence count. I’m grateful for the continuing support of policy makers, solution providers and government departments.”
