Shirish Tiwari, Director of Architecture and Technology Operations, spent over ten years with the Grainger Group. He was CIO at Zoro UK, leading their technology strategy and delivery across digital platforms, data, security, and enterprise systems. He also served as a Board Director at Grainger Industrial Supply India Pvt Ltd and acted as Data Privacy Officer for Zoro UK.

Shirish is experienced in large scale digital transformation, cloud and data modernisation, and building high performing technology teams that work closely with business, risk, and regulatory stakeholders.

"My focus will be on listening, understanding the current ICT landscape, and building strong relationships across teams and stakeholders. I am keen to support the existing strategy while identifying opportunities to strengthen architecture, platforms, ways of working, and service delivery."

Outside of work, his personal interests include long distance running, having completed several marathons, cycling including a century ride, and playing badminton socially.

Vision

Architecture and Technology Operations provides the strategic foundation for how ICT functions as an effective, connected, and forward‑looking division. Our vision is to shape and steer ICT through clear strategy, empowered people, strong governance, and seamless operational support.

We sit at the heart of ICT, connecting strategy to delivery, roadmaps to business plans, and people to the systems and support they need to thrive. We champion transparency, inclusivity, staff empowerment and collaboration across faculties, the Business School, Professional Services Transformation (PST), and the research community, ensuring the whole university has a voice in how technology evolves.

 
Mission

To create a coordinated and high‑performing ICT environment by combining strategic technology leadership with best‑in‑class business operations, enabling Imperial to deliver world‑class education, research, and services.

 
Strategic Goals 


1. Lead technology strategy and governance

To provide clear and collaborative leadership for ICT’s technology direction.

  • Develop and maintain ICT’s technology strategy in partnership with stakeholders across ICT and the wider university.
  • Ensure strategy is endorsed by the CIO and informed by the Technical Design Authority (TDA).
  • Own and manage ICT’s standards, principles, patterns, and architectural blueprints.
    Promote transparency by inviting faculties, the Business School, PST, and research communities into the strategy development process.
     

2. Strengthen architecture, security, integration and data leadership

  • We offer domain leadership across the university’s most critical technical areas.
  • Provide enterprise‑level support through Technology Product Specialists and Product Technology Specialists.
  • Partner with product lines and domain experts to deliver scalable, sustainable architectural designs.
  • Ensure our designs support Imperial’s long‑term digital ambitions and operational resilience.

 
3. Enable high‑performing operations across ICT

  • We deliver the business functions that keep ICT running smoothly and effectively.
  • Provide administrative, HR, commercial, governance, compliance, finance, communications, learning and development, and quality management services.
    Support all functional areas to leverage core business capabilities and operate with consistency and quality.
  • Champion staff empowerment, talent development, and effective recruitment practices.

 
4. Connect strategy, people and delivery

  • We improve the flow of information and alignment across ICT.
  • Ensure strategy connects into roadmaps, business planning, resourcing, and organisational decision‑making.
  • Strengthen connectivity between operational teams, technical functions, and governance structures.
  • Foster a culture where staff can grow and develop, creating a supportive and inclusive ICT environment.

 
5. Build better, more automated processes

  • We enable ICT to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently.
  • Design, implement and embed improved and automated processes across all business functions.
  • Reduce administrative burdens so teams can focus on their core missions..

 
 

Read our Digital Plan