Speakers

Wing Commander John Nicholson joined the RAF in 2000 direct from 6th Form in Blyth, Northumberland. Joining as an Electronics Technician he graduated from RAF Cosford’s No1 Radio School in 2002. In 2006 John commissioned into the RAF Engineer Branch and went on to serve in a series of highly interesting and varied roles including, commanding several IT and digital organisation; deploying overseas on military operations; Staff Officer setting the digital requirements for future intelligence aircraft; instructing new Engineer Officers; and laterally as Chief of Staff at RAF Digital within HQ Air Command.

In 2022, John transferred to the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, where he was appointed to lead the formation of the RAF Digital Reserves; a new capability aimed at delivering digital consultancy within the RAF by recruiting industry experts as reservists.

In John’s civilian role, he works for AtkinsRéalis as a Principle Digital Strategist and has supported Nuclear Energy and Mega Structure projects. He has recently started a new role as the Aurora Digital Domain Lead supporting DE&S and their transition towards Digital Engineering.

A passionate advocate for digital transformation and skill development, John volunteers with the British Computer Society, serving on the Registration and Standards Committee. Here, he has been actively supporting the update of the Chartered IT Professional registration standard. John believes that for UK Defence to remain at the forefront, rapid digital transformation and a skilled digital workforce are crucial.