Olivia: Can you tell us a bit about your professional background?

Nil: I’ve spent around 25 years working in technology, starting out very hands-on with data before moving into decision science, machine learning, AI, and large-scale data platforms. Along the way, I’ve worked across a wide range of organisations, from Tesco to Deutsche Bank, and even spent some time based in New York, which was a very cool!

Across all of those roles, one thing has stayed consistent: I do my best work in businesses where technology genuinely drives value. I thrive in places with complex problems to solve, real opportunities to optimise, and the freedom to take ownership and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Olivia: So, what drew you to CloserStill and to joining the board at this point in its journey? 

Nil: Beyond the culture, ethos and people, it’s the scale and pace of CloserStill’s success that excited me most. I’ve always loved conferences, and in a world that’s becoming increasingly digital and introverted, live events have never felt more important. Being part of a business that delivers those in-person experiences at scale, while continuing to innovate and grow, is a challenge I find genuinely motivating. It feels like I’m in the right place, at exactly the right moment.

Olivia: How do you see the role of Chief Data & Technology Officer contributing at board level within an events-led organisation like CloserStill?

Nil: At board level, my role is to make sure technology, and data are seen as strategic enablers of the business, not just operational tools running in the background. In a complex organisation with multiple events, locations and digital capabilities, that means guiding smart investment decisions, managing risk, and ensuring our platforms can scale reliably as the business grows. Ultimately, it’s about building a technology ecosystem that’s consistent, resilient and supports every part of our diverse portfolio.

Olivia: What are your key areas of focus during your first year in the role?

Nil: A key focus so far has been listening and learning - understanding our technology landscape and how it’s experienced by colleagues, delegates, and exhibitors. Just as importantly, it’s about understanding why we do things. Everything needs to link back to the bigger picture; if it’s not driving a key KPI or improving the experience, it’s worth rethinking.

I’m building a clear end-to-end view of our touchpoints to prioritise improvements that help our tools and data work more effectively together, enabling more personalised engagement, smoother experiences, and stronger ROI for exhibitors.

Olivia: How do you balance innovation with the need for reliability in a business where live delivery is critical?

Nil: It’s definitely a challenge, but I don’t see innovation and reliability as opposing forces. In a live events environment, reliability is non-negotiable, but standing still isn’t an option either. It comes down to responsible innovation: focusing on the biggest problems, backing robust and resilient solutions, and delivering consistent value, rather than running lots of experiments that don’t create real impact.

Olivia: How would you describe your leadership style?

Nil: I’m very open in how I work, and I really value transparency and honest conversations. I want people to feel comfortable asking questions, challenging ideas, and being open about what’s working and what isn’t. Being present in the office matters to me because approachability and human connection make a real difference. Especially in more challenging moments, my focus as a leader is on keeping everyone aligned, calm, and moving forward together.

Olivia: Outside of work, what interests or activities help you switch off, and what might colleagues be surprised to learn about you?

Nil: Outside of work, running has become my go-to way to switch off. I ran a half marathon last year and I’m signed up again this year, with a full marathon on the horizon next. I never thought I’d be a runner, but once you get into it, it’s surprisingly therapeutic. People are often surprised to hear that I’ve also been into woodworking for about ten years - I even built a workshop in my garage. Creating things by hand is a great contrast to a career focused on digital experiences.