ISS UK&I Appoints Chief Information Officer

ISS UK and Ireland has appointed Leanne Lynch as Chief Information Officer with effect from 12th September.

The appointment follows a rigorous search process, which focused on identifying a candidate with the strong skills and experience needed to deliver the integrated facility services provider's ambition to be a technology leader in the industry and to drive Group CIDO Markus Sontheimer’s global technology strategy in the UK and Ireland.

As CIO, Lynch's remit will include delivering technology solutions that support, connect and protect ISS, its people and clients - incluiding delivering best-in-class tools to support the more than 30,000 employees working across the UK&I region, aiding better communication with front-line employees, and enabling higher productivity and efficiency across the business.

And, with significant experience in cyber defence — most recently at London Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport — Lynch will ensure security remains at the top of the business agenda to safeguard both ISS and its clients.

Lynch brings a wealth of expertise from a wide range of industries, which will be key in supporting ISS’s journey to be the leading data-led provider of integrated facilities services (IFS).

This will include the development of innovative solutions designed to improve workplace performance and FM service provision, as well as providing clients with insights about their buildings, estates and user behaviours — ultimately enabling ISS to work more closely with clients to design workplaces that meet the needs of their business and people.

A highly accomplished technology director with global experience in the FMCG, aviation, mobile and internet industries, Lynch served, most recently as Director of Technology and Cyber Defence at Heathrow where she was responsible for all the IT that underpins the airport, as well as the cyber security and defence that protect its hugely complex infrastructure.

During her tenure, Lynch placed people and passenger experience at the centre of her strategy, ensuring that technology systems and solutions worked towards Heathrow’s vision to give passengers the best airport service in the world.

ISS says the people-centric approach aligns perfectly with its purpose of connecting people and places to make the world work better, and makes Lynch a valuable asset to delivering the company’s 'OneISS' strategy.

Lynch comments: “I am delighted to be joining ISS during this exciting era of rapid technological evolution.

Working in a people-oriented company like ISS is energising because the success of technology hinges on its adoption by individuals — therefore, a key part of this role will be obtaining the appropriate capabilities for our organisation.

"I am excited to explore ways that technology can propel us to success within a dynamic and competitive market, but a key goal of mine will be to find the equilibrium between leveraging the potential of our existing technologies and prudently investing in emerging solutions that align with our needs — all while upholding the bedrock of resilience.”

Liz Benison, Chief Executive Officer at ISS UK&I, adds: “This appointment heralds a new era for our business, putting ourselves on the front foot of technology and innovation in our industry.