Adrian Thompson
Group CIO, Specsavers
Professional Overview
Adrian Thompson is an accomplished Group Chief Information Officer (CIO) with extensive experience driving digital transformation and technology-enabled business strategies across diverse industries. As the Group CIO at Specsavers, he leverages his deep expertise in IT leadership, innovation, and operational excellence to enable the company's global growth and competitive advantage.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Group CIO at Specsavers since 2018, Adrian is responsible for overseeing the organization's entire technology infrastructure, systems, and digital initiatives. He has led the development and implementation of a comprehensive IT roadmap that has improved operational efficiency, enhanced customer experience, and supported the company's ambitious expansion plans. Under his guidance, Specsavers has achieved significant improvements in cost optimization, process automation, and data-driven decision-making.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Adrian held several senior IT leadership positions, including Global CIO at Dyson, Group IT Director at Gala Coral (now Entain), and Group E-Commerce Director at New Look. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a track record of driving business transformation through the strategic application of technology. His ability to align IT capabilities with organizational goals has resulted in measurable improvements in operational performance, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth.
Academic Background
Adrian holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Computer Science from the University of Manchester, where he graduated with honors. He has also completed various executive education programs, including a Strategic IT Management course at Harvard Business School.
Areas of Expertise
- IT strategy and digital transformation
- Enterprise architecture and systems integration
- Data analytics and business intelligence
- Cybersecurity and risk management
- Agile project management and service delivery
- Multi-stakeholder collaboration and change management
Professional Impact
During his tenure at Dyson, Adrian played a pivotal role in the company's global expansion by spearheading the implementation of a centralized, cloud-based IT infrastructure that enabled seamless integration across multiple markets. At Gala Coral, he led the integration of IT systems following a major merger, driving synergies and operational efficiencies that contributed to the company's improved financial performance.
Conclusion
With a proven track record of driving technology-enabled business transformation, Adrian Thompson is a strategic IT leader who consistently delivers measurable results. His deep industry expertise, coupled with his ability to align technology with organizational goals, makes him a valuable asset to Specsavers as the company continues to expand and innovate in the competitive retail eyecare market.
