About Me

 

I am a Technology Advisor, comfortable operating at or alongside Director and Board level executives with a proven record of delivering Technical, Product and Innovation strategies. I have built up a wealth of experience driving technical change, delivering digital products and introducing Agile process and practices into organisations. 

 

I am able to apply 19 years of technical leadership, software development and people management experience to guide and inspire teams.  

 

Current engagements include: 


  • Providing IT Strategy and Innovation thought leadership for Heathrow Airport.
  • Non-Exec/Advisory board positions for Five Cool Limited and Call Squad Limited.

 





Prior experience includes: 


 

Though a geek at heart, I am passionate about developing both individuals and teams to enable them to unlock and reach their full potential.

 

In my spare time (what little I have!), I have become an expert in Nerf gun wars and rekindled my love of Lego building, courtesy of my two young boys. I also try to fit in a bit of squash or golf when the celestial constellations are in alignment!

What I do

What I've Done


2013   Callsquad                    
Became an early-stage advisor to the founder of callsquad.com. In this role I advise on product strategy, technology architecture and the development approach for delivering the MVP.
2012   Streamhub
Invited to join Streamhub as a non-exec board member. In this role I am working with the founder to build a technology team, set its direction and provide interim CTO cover while I recruit a permanent CTO replacement. My board remit allows me to provide strategic leadership as well as to plan and direct the transition from entrepreneurial startup to successful company.
2012   Heathrow
Joined Heathrow for an initial 3 month contract to advise on their web and mobile strategy. Asked by the CTO to stay on for further contract extensions of 6, 9 and 12 months consecutively, to set up an innovation function and more recently to take on the additional responsibility of directing the IT Strategy team. In this role I have recruited an innovation team, led the development of the processes and practices and created a set of lightweight tools to support innovation within Heathrow.
2012   richardharding.com
Set up my own business providing consultancy services.
2007   ITV
Joined ITV to drive the launch of their digital offering, which at the time included a website and VOD player. During my time there I was promoted from Head of Development to Director of Technology, gaining responsibility for all aspects of the Technology operation.
2005   AOL
Joined AOL UK and worked in their broadband access business as a Development Manager. This was one of the UK’s first agile development teams and during my time there I managed the technical transition from AOL to Carphone Warehouse following the sale of the business in late 2006.
2000   Lastminute.com
Made the decision to join Lastminute.com as a Senior Developer, following interviews with both Brent Hoberman and Martha Lane Fox (I was employee number 54!). Worked on numerous projects throughout the rapid evolution of the company from small start-up to the point at which the company was sold, by which time I was a Technical Programme Manager with responsibility for the Holidays section of the business.
1997   Natwest
Joined Natwest from University as a Java Developer working on their e-commerce corporate banking platform. This was a vanguard project in the development of online banking, in what was generally considered to be a very traditional area of the bank’s business.



me@richardharding.com


Contact Me

Want to say hello? Want to know more about me? Contact me and I will get back to you as soon as I can.