Christopher Howard
Skills DirectorChris has 15 years’ experience consulting for varied organisations in delivering their digital transformation programmes. He is an experienced Open Source strategist and leader and previously was Head of the Open Source Program Office at EPAM supporting employees and clients with their consumption, contribution and maturity in Open Source.
He is engaged in a number of wider industry initiatives including sitting on the FINOS Diversity and Inclusion Special Interest Group and is a regular speaker at Open Source conferences across the globe sharing best practice. He has led and supported Intertech LGBT+ Diversity Forum, a non-profit organisation that promotes diversity in technology for over a decade and has been awarded a number of accolades for his advocacy in this area including being named as one of the Top 100 LGBT+ Future Leaders 2020.
Chris is Chair of Governors for a Federation of Primary Schools in London, where technology is at the heart of the curriculum; with the schools recognised by Apple as centres of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. He is a former Durham University president and maintains strong relationships with the University as well as working to complete this MBA at present looking at innovation and new venture creation.
Chris spends most of his time between the UK and Spain and in his spare time enjoys travelling with his partner and French Bulldog.