Paul Ashurst

Background

About Paul Ashurst

I am an accomplished CIO with a career spanning over two decades at Sony Pictures Entertainment, where I've been instrumental in driving transformative IT initiatives that align technology with strategic business objectives. Over the years, I progressed through various roles of increasing responsibility, culminating in my current position as Head of IT Services (EMEA). I currently lead the delivery of IT infrastructure services and Business Relationship Management across 20+ countries, overseeing a portfolio generating $2 billion+ in revenue annually. Throughout my career, I have championed numerous strategic IT initiatives that have significantly impacted operational efficiency and business growth. Notable achievements have included leading the complex divestment of 45+ linear TV channels across multiple territories in EMEA, orchestrating the transition process from scoping and due diligence to asset transition and contract novation. By ensuring continuity of services while averting $multi-million regional closure costs, I demonstrated my ability to navigate high-stakes business scenarios with foresight and precision. I am passionate about fostering collaborative environments where innovation thrives and teams are empowered to achieve their full potential. I believe in transparency, open communication, and building strong partnerships with stakeholders across all levels of an organisation. My leadership style is characterised by adaptability and resilience, prioritising agility and efficiency while delivering measurable results. My technical expertise spans a wide range of disciplines, including cloud services (AWS, Azure), cybersecurity, IT service management (ITIL), and agile project management methodologies. Embracing innovative technologies such as automation (IAC) and DevOps practices, I drive continuous improvement and operational excellence across IT operations. Specialities: Technology / IT Business Strategy Technology Transformation Board Level Stakeholder Management Tactical / Strategic Business Planning IT Operations / Service Management Innovation / Renovation Transformative Leadership Information Security / Compliance Fiscal Planning / Budgets Risk Management & Mitigation Technology Road Mapping Programme / Project Management Cloud Services