Congratulations to Kate Warriner, Chief Transformation and Digital Officer, who was named number one Chief Information Officer (CIO) on the CIO 100 UK 2025 list.
Often referred to as the ‘Oscars of the IT industry’, the CIO 100 Awards acknowledge the 100 best and brightest CIOs and technology leaders in the UK. Kate has been named on the top 100 list for four consecutive years, last year coming in at number 10, and was the highest placed woman. This year, she has surpassed all competition to occupy the number one slot, beating off competition from Formula 1, Chelsea FC, Starbucks, Bentley Motors, English Heritage, Screwfix, Amnesty International, Network Rail, and many more.
This is the fourth consecutive year Kate has made the top 100 list.
It is such an incredible honour to be included in the CIO 100, alongside such inspiring digital colleagues, but to be named number one is beyond words! I am so grateful to the judges and my colleagues on this list who I have the deepest respect for.” Kate Warriner
“This Award is a testament to the talents and hard work of our brilliant iDigital, CXIO and transformation teams at Alder Hey. Without this amazing group of colleagues, their talent, dedication and support, this accolade would be going elsewhere.
“I am extremely grateful to my colleagues more broadly at Alder Hey who recognise that digital, data and technology initiatives are central to delivering our strategic objectives and to our clinical and operational colleagues whom we work with day in day out to continually improve and transform our digital services.’
Presenting her with her award, the CIO 100 team said that Kate “has redefined what it means to lead digital transformation in the NHS. At the heart of Kate’s work is an unwavering focus on safe, outstanding care and a deep understanding that technology is not just about systems – it’s about saving time, lifting burdens, and creating real, human impact.”
Under Kate’s leadership, Alder Hey has delivered a stunning array of technology initiatives that are changing lives. The judges commented that Kate and the work of Alder Hey teams is not just about the “what” but also the master of the “how.” Alder Hey established the Digital, Data and AI Transformation Collaborative – a multidisciplinary powerhouse that brings key multidisciplinary colleagues together, to drive change with purpose and agility. Every initiative – whether around AI, automation, or mental health service improvement – is delivered with pace, impact, and heart.
What truly sets Kate apart is her ability to connect people. She chairs the North West Digital Skills Development Network, sponsors a diversity and inclusion staff network, and hosts staff forums – ensuring that culture, recognition, and human connection remain at the centre of her team’s successes.
From championing sustainability and virtual care, Kate’s work is shaping the future not only of their organisation, but of the entire NHS digital ecosystem.”
Dame Jo Williams, Chair of Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Kate is one in a million. Her professional knowledge is matched only by her dedication to delivering outstanding safe care for children and young people, through the application of digital technology. Her tireless energy is an inspiration to all of us. We truly are lucky to have her. “
Congratulations Kate!