Naomi Hutchinson
Chief Innovation and Growth Officer
Professional Overview
Naomi Hutchinson is a driven and accomplished innovation and growth leader with a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives and spearheading impactful digital transformations. As the Chief Innovation and Growth Officer at Sunderland City Council, she is responsible for cultivating a culture of innovation, identifying new growth opportunities, and leveraging emerging technologies to enhance the council's service delivery and community engagement.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Innovation and Growth Officer at Sunderland City Council, Naomi is tasked with leading the organization's innovation strategy and driving digital transformation efforts. In this role, she has implemented cutting-edge technologies, streamlined operational processes, and fostered a collaborative environment that empowers employees to think creatively and embrace innovative solutions. Under her stewardship, the council has achieved significant improvements in service efficiency, citizen satisfaction, and cost savings.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Naomi held various leadership positions at Sunderland Software City, where she spearheaded the development and implementation of the Digital Catapult Centre NETV. In this capacity, she collaborated with local businesses and startups to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies, resulting in enhanced productivity, competitiveness, and economic growth within the region. Naomi's earlier experience as a Project Manager and Project Assistant at Sunderland Software City has provided her with a deep understanding of the local ecosystem and the challenges faced by businesses and communities.
Academic Background
Naomi holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Sunderland, where she graduated with distinction. Her academic background, combined with her extensive industry experience, has equipped her with a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic vision.
Areas of Expertise
- Digital transformation and innovation strategy
- Emerging technology implementation and integration
- Public sector service optimization and citizen engagement
- Collaborative leadership and stakeholder management
- Data-driven decision making and performance optimization
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Naomi has spearheaded numerous high-impact initiatives that have yielded tangible results for the organizations she has served. As the Head of Innovation at Sunderland Software City, she played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Digital Catapult Centre NETV, which has since supported over 500 local businesses in their digital transformation journeys, resulting in a collective economic impact of £25 million.
Conclusion
Naomi Hutchinson's diverse experience, technical acumen, and strategic leadership make her an invaluable asset to Sunderland City Council. In her current role as Chief Innovation and Growth Officer, she is well-positioned to drive continuous improvement, foster a culture of innovation, and position the council as a leader in the digital transformation of local government services.