Valerie R.

Valerie R. has diverse work experience spanning several industries. Valerie is currently employed as the Head of Technology, Change, and IT Risk at AJ Bell since November 2022. Prior to that, they served as a Committee Member at West Mercia Police starting in January 2021.

Valerie also has experience as a Director at Desert Lime Ltd, where they provided executive coaching and interim services focused on IT Security, IT Risk, IT Governance, and compliance since May 2013. Valerie worked with various clients such as Arup, NHS consultants, Jaguar Landrover, and local education establishments.

From September 2020 to November 2022, Valerie worked as an IT Risk & Control Interim at Admiral Group Plc. Valerie also served as a Board Observer at Key Fund Investments from July 2019 to November 2020, and as a Senior IT Governance and Risk Manager (interim) at Coventry Building Society from July 2019 to July 2020.

Valerie held the position of Director - Head of IT Governance & Control at ReAssure (previously AdminRe UK) from January 2015 to October 2018. Prior to that, they worked as an Interim Security Compliance Manager at InterContinental Hotels Group from May 2014 to September 2014, ensuring PCI-DSS compliance for European hotels within the group.

Valerie's experience also includes working as a Project Manager Interim at Tibco Spotfire from April 2012 to May 2013. During their time there, they focused on business process redesign, training, and managing development activities. Valerie achieved significant outcomes such as increased software sales and reduced deal completion time.

In terms of education, Valerie completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Technology Management, a business coaching diploma at ILM level 5, and obtained certifications in Prince 2, Change Management Practitioner, and ITIL v.3 Foundation Certificate while at The Open University from January 2011 to March 2012. Additionally, they have experience in coaching, technology, and change.

Valerie R. began their education in 2005 at The Open University, where they pursued a Bachelor of Science Honors degree in Life Sciences. Valerie completed this program in 2009. In 1992, Valerie attended Brunel University London and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Studies in 1993.

Valerie continued their education at The Open University and earned a Post Graduate Certificate in Technology Management from 2010 to 2012. Valerie then proceeded to pursue a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Technology Management from 2012 to 2014, both from The Open University as well.

Valerie R. has also obtained several additional certifications throughout their career. In 2007, they acquired the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification from ISACA. In 2009, they achieved the Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CEGIT) certification, also from ISACA. Valerie obtained the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification in 2016. In 2018, they completed the COBIT 5 Implementation certification, and in 2019, they obtained the CSX Fundamentals certificate, both from ISACA. Most recently, in 2021, Valerie received the Certificate in Digital Risk Management from the Institute of Risk Management.