Christian McMahon FBCS CITP is a Board-level CIO | CTO | CTrO | PE Advisor | Chair | NED – proven track record of landing complex transformations and technology modernisation programmes, driving exceptional value creation, and aligning digital, data, and technology strategy with business objectives across multiple sectors.
He is highly skilled in guiding organisations through the necessary changes for securing the maximum value from technology investments.
Christian has first class delivery credentials on a global scale including:
- Value creation accelerator – consistently moving the EBITDA needle, unlocking revenue growth, transforming business models and creating competitive advantages that drive higher exit multiples. Experienced in scaling tech across multiple business units with a proven track record of ROI within 12 months in PE-backed environments
- Transformation leader – hands-on leader who can shape, coordinate, and deliver transformation initiatives end-to-end. Delivered £mm programmes spanning ERP, CRM, HCM, AI, data & back-office platforms, cross-functional technology initiatives and cybersecurity; adept at moving from strategy to consistent execution at pace, navigating complexity, gaining buy-in, keeping momentum and embedding sustainable change
- Trusted advisor – bring an engaging blend of deep technical expertise and strong commercial acumen, translating complex technology into clear business value at Board level. Capable of driving clarity in complex environments, not afraid to lean into the uncomfortable and step up where others step back
- Business-outcome focused – constantly maximising ROI by reimagining business models, building capability, creating new digital value propositions, and deploying AI capabilities that accelerate growth and operational efficiency
- Resilient change agent – skilled in overcoming resistance, setbacks, and competing priorities to ensure transformation initiatives deliver intended outcomes and measurable benefits realisation
- Cultural dexterity & collaboration – experienced at engaging stakeholders across complex organisational structures and leading multiple, simultaneous enterprise-wide work-streams; able to build trust quickly and influence decision-makers from the Board to the frontline
- M&A expertise – extensive transaction experience including carve-outs, TSA exits, divestments, and post-merger integrations, maximising deal value while mitigating risk
- ERP, CRM & HCM delivery – led end-to-end implementations of NetSuite, Salesforce, MS D365 (F&O, CE, SCM & Manufacturing), QAD unlocking significant business value across diverse industries
- Leadership advisor & team builder – strong motivational leader with high EQ/IQ, finely tuned interpersonal and communication skills with ability to communicate with authenticity to any audience.
Christian has a number of portfolio roles including:
Non-Executive Chair of ITSO Ltd where we have built Yotra and partnered with Apple and Google as their sole UK partner in digital wallet ticketing, pioneering secure, touch-free mobile ticketing across rail, bus and tram networks. Designing and deploying next-generation transit ticketing solutions, enhancing the passenger experience for millions of UK commuters through seamless integration with Google Pay and Apple Wallet. Advancing the UK’s transport and financial technology ecosystem, blending expertise in digital payments, mobile solutions, and national infrastructure modernisation.
We’re also collaborating with the Bank of England as a Phase 1 participant in the Digital Pound Lab, contributing to national experimentation on the future of digital currency and payments infrastructure.
Transformation and Technology Advisor at Inflexion where he supports the Inflexion investment teams, providing Transformation and Technology advisory services to their portfolio companies and leadership teams.
Christian was appointed Chair of the Gambling Commission’s Digital Expert Panel (DEP), leading a team of digital and AI specialists providing independent advice to the Gambling Commission Board and Executive Group. As Chair of the DEP, I have quarterly strategy reviews with the GC CEO and Chair, helping shape the Commission’s digital, data and AI strategy for the UK’s £16bn regulated gambling industry:
- Directing advisory input on emerging digital and AI trends, influencing how operators interact with consumers and how the Commission regulates the market
- Delivering Board-level recommendations that strengthen regulatory oversight, support safe innovation, and increase organisational capability in AI, data and digital solutions
- Working closely with the secretariat and senior leadership to refine DEP’s role, ensuring advice directly adds value to policy direction, regulation and market engagement
Director at Ashburn Taylor, specialists in the successful delivery of complex IT and business transformation programmes including leading ERP implementations from RFP to successful implementation. Current projects include helping deliver an MS Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management implementation and other strategic technology programmes for a well known retailer with 60+ shops across the UK and ROI.
Thought leadership:
– Ranked as the 11th most influential CIO in the world by Richtopia
– Awarded status of Top Social CIO for 2015 and 2016 by the Huffington Post
– Thomson Reuters Top 30 Social Influencer: Risk Management, Compliance & RegTech – bitly.com/TRRiskUK30
– Judge and Mentor in the MassChallenge Accelerator Program
– Mentor at PWC’s IncuBus Ventures
– Mentor at Cocoon Networks – Cocoon Networks is the first Chinese capital-backed, international, startup ecosystem in Europe and I’m focused on helping Chinese startups interested by Europe/UK and UK startups interested by China
– Member of Board and Trustee – Youth Charter
– Regular collaboration with Samsung – click here to see a video of my panel appearance at a Samsung client event
– Regular collaborator & featured panelist for EMC events – click here for info about the next event
– Expert CIO ‘Thought Leader’ for recent collaboration with Symantec – read my Forbes article here
– Member of Advisory Board for CIO Today UK Magazine – click here for detail
– Member of IBM VIP Influencer Programme
– Featured CIO Contributor on the Intel IT Peer Network – link here (registration may be required)
– Featured CIO contributor on the HP Enterprise Services ‘Business Value Exchange’ platform – read my contributions here
– Awarded Fellowship and Chartered IT Professional Status (FBCS CITP) by the board of the British Computer Society
– Awarded Fellowship Status (FIoD) by the board of the Institute of Directors
