GOSH hires first chief technology officer

Great Ormond Street Hospital has appointed its first chief technology officer.

The children's charity has appointed Richard Grove as its first person responsible for the post, which will drive the charity's transformation under its technology strategy.

Chief technology officer roles are becoming increasingly common in the charity sector, amid a rise in the use of artificial intelligence and digital data.

Grove will lead the post as part of the the GOSH senior leadership team under chief execuitve Louise Parkes.

He will be responsible for identifying opportunities for technological advances – including exploring the potential of data and AI enabled services – as well as leading on the integration of emerging technologies to boost the charity’s productivity and output.

The role will see him overseeing all matters relating to digital, IT and technology, reporting back to the charity board and colleagues.

Grove previously held digital roles at the University of London, where he was chief digital officer of the government digital service, and the London 2012 Olympics, where he was a senior digital leader.

Most recently, he held managing director and director posts at AI, data and digital consultancies, including Pivotl Ltd and Caution Your Blast Ltd.

“I am over the moon to be joining GOSH Charity, which I have long admired for the essential work it does to care for seriously ill children and their families," Grove said.

"In this role, I am eager to harness the latest digital technology and data and explore how AI can further enable the charity to raise funds for GOSH's most urgent needs. It’s a privilege to be joining the team at such a pivotal moment, with the charity in the midst of its biggest-ever fundraising appeal to help build the new, world-leading Children's Cancer Centre at the hospital.

The charity's CEO, Louise Parkes added: “From our Build it. Beat it. appeal to our refreshed brand identity, it is a really exciting time for GOSH Charity, and Richard's passion and expertise will ensure we can continue on our mission to give seriously ill children the best chance, and childhood, possible."