Hello I’m

Gary Fletcher

Experienced CTO, Chief Architect, Board Member, IT Manager, Developer/Software Engineer and Fellow at Imperial College London

me@fletcher.gg +44 (0) 7946 325 160 www.fletcher.gg https://twitter.com/garygfletcher https://www.linkedin.com/in/garygfletcher/

Creative & Commited

I am an extremely passionate technologist who absolutely loves “tech” and enjoys being “hands-on” to effectively shape strategy, innovate, manage and mentor more efficiently.

Being an expert trouble shooter and an extremely meticulous and fast learner I have often been able to cross tech boundaries offering me a host of opportunities beyond traditional software development.

This has allowed me to explore for example Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, 3d printing and hardware/IoT to the extent I have had the opportunity to co-found Reading Makerspace, start up ZSL (London Zoo’s) conservation technology department, advise HRH Duke Of York with the Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (iDEA), later being appointed to the projects Technical Review Board at Buckingham Palace, orchestrate several high profile hackathons for iDEA and the Horniman Museum and advise Tech City UK and the Home Office on Exceptional Talent visa applications.

I keep very abreast with software development, having 19 years’ experience and often get hands on in a Chief Architect and Developer capacity concentrating predominantly on R&D and Big Data.

Strategically and most recently I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a new management team as CTO driving the innovation and velocity of a 76M EUR public marketing group, I was the Technical Lead in developing digital e-learning platforms and advising No 10 through Tech City UK and its Digital Business Academy program, worked on a Big Data Finance Systems for the Ministry of Justice as a Chief Architect for the Program while receiving recognition for innovation.

Within these roles I demonstrated a passion for building amazing teams and great products whilst being security conscious - I am a subject matter expert in ISO27001 (information security) and GDPR (data protection) along with executing many years of experience as an AgilePM/Prince2 certified professional with the management expertise to deliver £MM projects.

 

2024-PRESENT

Solution Owner/Architect

Bupa

At Bupa, I lead the strategic development and evolution of their global mobile applications, focusing on the adoption of Azure and Google Cloud Platform. I play a key role in shaping the strategy for transitioning mobile applications from Xamarin to React Native/Expo. By collaborating with a range of stakeholders, I drive the migration process, ensuring that the new architecture aligns with Bupa's long-term goals and provides a scalable, robust foundation for future development.

2020-2022

Senior Technical Architect

Ministry Of Justice

I worked with a range of stakeholders to research and develop a strategy for the future delivery of MOJ’s core HR and finance services, which is contained within a complex ERP based application landscape.

As a technical architect in this role I was assigned to work within an agile multi-disciplinary team and, in collaboration lead the technical direction of a product discovery orientated around a £100M buy vs build ERP decision.

2018-2020

Teaching and Research Fellow & Head of Hackspace Projects and Programs

Advanced Hackspace, Imperial College London

I work on proof of concept research for new technologies with a bias towards developing and comparing deskilled technologies.

I also lead the development of short project-based course materials for undergraduates and postgraduates and then delivering that teaching with the support of other specialist fellows.

I am currently the academic course leader and lecturer for Making and Prototyping for Research and Products (3rd and 4th year, credit bearing, 7.5 ECTS).

Aid in prototyping and project development by acting as a senior project adviser as well as advising on the allocation of grants and funding.

2019

Technical Architect, Live Services

Home Office

I undertook a short piece of consultancy work as part of a senior team working with the Home Office on the Digital Services at the Border Programme.

I was tasked to conduct an in depth technical review of the service capabilities and readiness of the programme applications ahead of deployments to front line operations. Beyond that initial review I was also responsible for leading a technical team in commencing the implementation of a comprehensive application management solution, setting both technical and strategic direction for longer term delivery.

2016-2018

Chief Technology Officer & Board Executive

Webgains

I lead all aspects of architecture, software and product development, including all make vs. buy analysis, investment rationalisation, and delivery schedule for high transaction applications. I had 6 direct reports with a whole team of 30 including two offshore teams in both Eastern Europe and South America.

I enjoyed leading “hands on” development of AI and cognitive projects in partnership with IBM, getting GDPR ready and achieving ISO27001 (Information Security) certification as well as building the best engineering team to maintain business continuity and new product innovation/development with a great R&D department building rapid application prototypes on multiple platforms including mobile, tv and alexa.

As a webgains Board Executive I was responsible member for organisational governance and input into strategic direction.

2016-2017

Technical Lead

Tech City UK, now Tech Nation

I led Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa Policy Forming which later led to me reviewing and endorsing Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa Applications as an expert in the field of technology. I also led the development of the well known e-learning Digital Business Academy. I also had the opportunity to lead high profile technology workshops, meetups and public speaking.

2012-2013

Technolgy Conservationist

Zoological Society London (ZSL)

Conducted scientific investigations with SMEs to deliver technology-based conservation solutions which included deep sea large pelagic fish monitoring systems with satellite connectivity and using microprocessor technologies and environmental sensors to replicate environments in aquaria.

2007-2012

Technical Architect

Ministry Of Justice

Developed and deployed a bespoke fee payment and accounting system utilised across the UK for all 220 magistrate and county courts supporting millions of users.

Gerfalcon Logo

Gerfalcon Restoration

Gary is honoured to be the owner of the Gerfalcon, a Dunkirk Little Ship with a storied history, now officially listed on the Historic Ship Register. This vessel played a notable role during the Dunkirk evacuation and served in the Royal Navy Patrol Service as a Auxillary Patrol Craft during WW2, embodying a significant part of maritime history.

Gerfalcon is currently undergoing a meticulous restoration process to preserve its historic integrity and ensure it continues to serve as a testament to its heroic past. The restoration aims to return the ship to its original splendour, allowing future generations to appreciate its historical significance.

I invite you to follow our journey as we bring the Gerfalcon back to life. Stay updated with the latest news and progress through the following channels:

Gerfalcon's Webpage Gerfalcon on Instagram

Gerfalcon on Twitter

Gerfalcon on wikipedia

Gerfalcon on National Historic Ship Register


Gerfalcon on Association of Dunkirk Little Ships

Gary Kayaking

Gary's Kayaking and Paddlesports Achievements

Gary has a remarkable record in kayaking and paddlesports, marked by several extraordinary achievements. Among his notable feats are a solo channel crossing, adventurous kayaking in the Bahamas, and an impressive Arctic expedition.

His solo channel crossing demonstrated exceptional skill and endurance, navigating treacherous waters with remarkable precision. The kayaking trips in the Bahamas showcased his ability to handle challenging conditions while enjoying the stunning natural beauty. In the Arctic, Gary tackled the extreme cold and icy waters, pushing the boundaries of his sport in one of the most demanding environments on the planet.

In addition to these achievements, Gary holds a number of paddlesport qualifications and national trainer qualifications for Paddlesport Leading. He also contributes to the paddlesport community by sitting on the Touring Committee Board with British Canoeing, where he helps shape the future of the sport in the UK.

Gary's qualifications and board role underline his commitment to the sport and his influence in the paddlesport community. His achievements and expertise inspire others to pursue their own paddlesport ambitions.

Gary's Coaching Website Gary's Paddlesport Adventures on Instagram
Gary Volunteering

Volunteering and Coaching Achievements

Gary previously served as the National Staff Officer for Paddlesports within the Sea Cadets, where he was instrumental in overseeing paddlesport activities and designing training initiatives that benefitted participants across the organisation.

He also served as the Deputy Commander of the Volunteer Cadet Corps, holding the rank of Lieutenant, until his recent retirement from this role. In this capacity, Gary provided invaluable mentorship to young cadets, ensuring they received top-tier training and opportunities to develop critical life skills.

Between 2022 and 2023, Gary committed an impressive 110 days to on-the-water coaching. He delivered a wide range of British Canoeing and Royal Yachting Association courses to both adults and teenagers, leveraging his extensive qualifications and experience to create meaningful learning experiences.

Gary’s outstanding contributions exemplify his passion for paddlesports and his dedication to inspiring the next generation of cadets and outdoor enthusiasts. His retirement marks the end of an era of impactful leadership, though his legacy continues to resonate in the communities he has served so passionately.