Karl Connor

After leaving school, I worked briefly in the legal industry before returning to education at Manchester Metropolitan University, where I studied a BSc in Information and Communications – an IT degree with a Social Science component that focused on how IT impacts organisations.

I paid my way through university designing websites for small businesses, which gave me hands-on experience with real clients and real deadlines. After graduating, I joined a graduate scheme at RM PLC as a web designer, before transitioning into project management where I managed the delivery of e-commerce websites.

After completing my PRINCE2 certification, I developed my career in the wider IT industry – initially in the public sector before moving into global organisations. This journey has taken me through some of the UK’s largest and most complex enterprises, where I’ve led major transformation programmes and built a reputation for delivering results.

I am a Programme and Transformation Director specialising in the delivery, recovery and stabilisation of large-scale (£30m–£100m+) technology and operating model transformations across regulated and complex global organisations, including financial services and critical enterprise environments. Proven track record modernising cloud, infrastructure, network and platform estates, transitioning organisations to product-led and Agile / hybrid SAFe operating models, and restoring executive confidence in high-risk programmes. Trusted advisor to CIO, CTO and ExCo stakeholders, recognised for strong governance, commercial rigour and measurable delivery outcomes.

Equally effective in permanent leadership roles or interim assignments, particularly where organisations require rapid mobilisation, turnaround or sustained transformation delivery.

SELECTED CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Delivered and governed £100m+ of complex technology transformation across global, regulated enterprises

Recovered and closed failing programmes with material regulatory, operational and reputational exposure

Achieved £40m+ cumulative cost savings and avoidance through automation, sourcing strategy and lifecycle optimisation

Led global teams of 100+

Implemented product-led operating models, improving predictability, velocity and executive transparency

Currently working on embedding AI-enabled delivery analytics and predictive assurance to improve forecasting accuracy and early risk identification

CORE EXPERTISE

• Technology & Business Transformation (Regulated & Complex Environments)
• Regulatory, Risk & Governance (Highly Regulated Organisations)
• Large-Scale Programme Delivery (£30m–£100m+)
• Cloud, Infrastructure & Network Modernisation
• Product & Platform Operating Model Transformation
• Agile, SAFe, Waterfall & Hybrid Delivery
• Automation, Data & AI-Enabled Delivery Assurance
• Executive Stakeholder & Board Engagement
• Commercial Strategy, Outsourcing & Vendor Management

My website is https://www.karlconnor.com