Farewell to one of our UEC members, Chief Information Officer John Hemingway, who will be retiring at the end of February after nearly four years leading the University’s IT strategy. 

John Hemingway

A Chartered Engineer with an MBA and an MSc in Project Management, John is widely recognised for his work in improving IT services. John’s career saw him gain experience in various industries and organisations, from PWC to Gulf Oil, before he joined Durham University as Chief information Officer in May 2019.

John naturally brought people together under a vision to deliver success, challenge the status quo and innovate. His outstanding ability to connect with colleagues helped enable him to deliver major organisational change for Durham.

Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Professor Karen O’Brien said:

John has brought order, credibility, deep insight and a profoundly collaborative ethos to the IT strategy at Durham. Working with an outstanding team, he has patiently transformed our digital strategy, and had mentored and supported staff and students along the way. He has made an enormous difference to Durham.

Supporting others to flourish has been the golden thread through John’s career. From empowering his team to take ownership of projects or the next steps in their careers, to supporting student entrepreneurs in achieving their aspirations.

To end his successful career on a high, John was awarded CIO of the Year at the UCISA (Universities and Colleges Information Systems Association) Awards 2022.

Before heading off for retirement, John will be handing the reins over to our newly appointed Chief Information Officer, James Crooks, on Monday 20 February.

We wish John all the very best for a healthy and happy retirement.