THE NORTH EAST’s largest tech sector business network has strengthened its advisory board with five senior industry appointments, reinforcing its role in supporting the growth of the North East’s tech economy.
Dynamo North East C.I.C. has appointed David Elliott, Marc Russell, Martin Jackson, Peter Calvert and Sheree Rymer to its advisory board.
Together, the new members bring senior leadership experience from across healthcare, global consultancy, utilities, digital transformation and further education, reflecting the breadth and ambition of the region’s tech sector.
David Elliott is Chief Digital Officer for the Great North Healthcare Alliance, leading digital strategy across multiple NHS trusts.
Marc Russell is Vice President of Consulting Services at CGI, based in its Newcastle office and leading its North East operations.
Martin Jackson is Chief Information Officer at Northumbrian Water Group, overseeing transformation and innovation.
Peter Calvert is Managing Director of Embeddable, a Middlesbrough-based digital transformation business he founded in 2023.
Sheree Rymer is Associate Principal of Creative and Digital at Education Partnership North East and will represent the further education sector within Dynamo, ensuring the voices of member institutions are heard.
James Bunting, Chair of the Dynamo North East Advisory Board, said: “We are delighted to welcome David, Marc, Martin, Peter and Sheree to the advisory board. Their combined experience reflects the strength and diversity of the North East’s tech ecosystem and will help Dynamo continue to grow its reach and impact across the region.”
The appointments follow the departure of advisory board members Kevin Beales, Deni Chambers, Paul Featonby, Dylan McKee and Ronnie Peet, who step down as part of Dynamo’s regular advisory board rotation, enabling new members to get involved and contribute to the community.
James added: “We’re also incredibly grateful to our outgoing advisory board members for the time and expertise they have given to Dynamo on a voluntary basis. Their contributions have helped shape the organisation and support its members.
“As a not-for-profit organisation, Dynamo places its members at the heart of everything it does, with a continued focus on bringing together organisations that want to contribute, support collaboration and deliver social value across the region.
“Dynamo and its members are playing an important role in shaping the future of the North East’s tech sector, and we’re always keen to work with more organisations that want to be part of that shared ambition.”
The new members join an advisory board that already includes Manila McLean, chief information officer at Somerset Bridge Group; Taya Reynolds, chief technology officer at Hays Travel; Michele Gettins, chief marketing officer at Iamproperty; Fay Cooper, chief product officer at Scrumconnect; Shannon Smith, head of service at Atom Technology Solutions; and Lynsey Robinson, director of economic development at Teesside University.
