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CIO &  Transformation

Senior Strategic Business and IT Consultant in Durham

As a Senior Strategic Business and IT Consultant based in Durham, Richard Keenlyside offers over three decades of transformative leadership and innovation across global markets. With a career spanning 34+ years, Richard brings deep expertise in IT strategy, digital transformation, business operations, and programme delivery, serving sectors including professional services, retail, manufacturing, logistics, utilities, transport, financial services, and telecommunications.

Driving Business and Digital Transformation

With a proven track record leading multi-million-pound programmes, Richard has consistently delivered measurable value in interim, fractional, and advisory CIO roles. Based in Durham and operating across the UK and internationally, Richard works closely with boards and C-level executives to unlock operational efficiency, scale digital capabilities, and drive strategic outcomes.

Richard’s methodology is built on aligning business goals with IT innovation—whether delivering an ERP transformation, enabling AI and RPA automation, or orchestrating M&A IT integration.

Sector-Spanning Impact and Strategic Consultancy

Throughout his career, Richard has successfully advised and transformed organisations in industries such as:

  • Retail & eCommerce: From strategic carve-outs and omnichannel transformation to ERP and CRM rollouts.

  • Manufacturing & Engineering: Leading IT and business strategy for global operations across 13 countries.

  • Utilities & Public Services: Streamlining operations through intelligent automation, data analytics, and IT governance.

  • Financial Services & Private Equity: Delivering due diligence, post-merger integration, and IT strategy advisory.

His role as a Strategic IT Consultant in Durham involves driving tangible business outcomes across these sectors, underpinned by his deep technical and commercial acumen.

Leadership in Digital Innovation

Richard has consistently delivered cutting-edge technology initiatives, including:

  • £120M+ budget responsibility in transformation and IT operations.

  • Cloud migrations, including legacy decommissioning and Azure transitions reducing technical debt by £2M.

  • AI-led Chatbots in HR and Finance, boosting efficiency by 40%.

  • Centralised data lakes and advanced dashboards via Power BI.

  • Multi-vendor procurement and outsourcing saving over £20M.

  • Cybersecurity programme implementation, including SOC outsourcing and compliance.

His engagements have also included board advisory roles and thought leadership across emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Strategy, Machine Learning, and Robotic Process Automation.

Credentials and Professional Background

Richard holds an MBA in Business & Finance, a First-Class Honours BSc in Computer Science/Mathematics, and industry-leading certifications including TOGAF, Six Sigma Black Belt, Prince2, and ITIL Master.

He is frequently engaged by private equity firms, Fortune 500 organisations, and public sector bodies to deliver high-impact IT and business change. He also serves as an Associate with global advisory networks and continues to publish on topics such as transformation strategy and cybersecurity.

Services Offered in Durham and Beyond

As a Senior Strategic Business and IT Consultant in Durham, Richard Keenlyside offers services including:

  • Interim CIO / CTO Leadership

  • Digital & IT Strategy Development

  • Technology Advisory for Start-ups and PE firms

  • M&A IT Integration and Due Diligence

  • Programme and Transformation Leadership

  • Cloud, ERP, and Data Architecture Planning

  • Cybersecurity and Risk Management

  • Process Automation with AI and RPA

Each engagement is tailored to the specific strategic, operational, and technological needs of the client, underpinned by robust governance, change management, and outcome delivery frameworks.

Why Partner with Richard Keenlyside?

With an unmatched ability to translate business strategy into technical execution, Richard brings:

  • Deep domain expertise with cross-sector experience

  • Extensive leadership in global transformation programmes

  • Proven cost optimisation and efficiency delivery

  • Embedded stakeholder engagement and governance

  • Strong base in Durham with national and international reach

Contact Richard Keenlyside

If your business seeks a Senior Strategic Business and IT Consultant in Durham capable of delivering real results, contact Richard today.

Senior Strategic Business and IT Consultant serving Durham

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