Interview: Renault’s Lorraine Dodd on the skills IT leaders can’t ignore

Renault Group UK’s Lorraine Dodd shares why adaptability, continuous learning and practical AI adoption will define the next generation of IT leadership.

On the run up to the IT Leaders Summit on 17 September in London, the Computing team spoke to Advisory Board member Lorraine Dodd.

Lorraine is the IS/IT Director for Renault Group UK. She leads the teams responsible for IT, Infrastructure, Security, Business Intelligence, AI, and Project Delivery, ensuring technology supports the business effectively while driving digital transformation and innovation across the organisation.

We wanted to get her opinion on the key topics covered at the summit including changing IT roles, prioritising within budget restraints and other challenges faced by IT leaders.

How do you see the role of the IT leader evolving over the next three years, and what skills will be most critical for success?

Over the next three years, I believe IT leaders will need to be more adaptable than ever. Technology is evolving at such a pace that no individual can be an expert in everything. The most critical skill will be continuous learning and maintaining an open mindset, rather than relying on approaches that have worked in the past.

Successful IT leaders will actively look outward through networking, industry events, and market trends, while fostering a culture of learning within their teams. The real value will come from enabling others to develop the skills needed for a rapidly changing world.

IT budgets are always being stretched – how do you decide what gets prioritised?

My first priority is ensuring every investment aligns to Renault Group’s global futuREady strategy. We assess initiatives against the four pillars (Growth Ready, Tech Ready, Excellence Ready, and Trust Ready) and prioritise those that deliver the greatest contribution to our strategic objectives.

Just as importantly, we need a clear understanding of the value expected, whether that is increased efficiency, reduced risk, improved customer experience, or business growth. If we cannot clearly articulate the value and outcomes, it becomes much harder to justify the investment.

What is the one challenge you believe IT leaders are underestimating today?

I believe one of the biggest challenges IT leaders are underestimating is the growing GenAI skills gap. On one end of the spectrum, there are people using AI tools every day and rapidly advancing their capabilities; on the other, there are colleagues who have yet to get started. Our responsibility is to bring everyone along by establishing a solid foundation of AI knowledge for all.

Once people begin to see the benefits, adoption often accelerates naturally. At the same time, we must continue to support and challenge advanced users, ensuring we nurture innovation rather than unintentionally holding it back.

How does participating in the Computing community and events such as the IT Leaders Summit help you navigate challenges and make better decisions?

One of the biggest benefits of participating in the Computing community and events such as the IT Leaders Summit is the realisation that many of the challenges we face are shared across organisations and industries. I remember leaving my first event thinking, “thank goodness we’re all in the same boat.”

Those conversations quickly become discussions about what has worked, what hasn’t, and lessons learned. The relationships built through networking often continue long after the event, creating a trusted network of peers. It also provides valuable insight into how different organisations approach technology, helping me bring fresh ideas and perspectives back to Renault.

Computing’s IT Leaders Summit takes place on 17 September at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, London. It is an exclusive event for senior IT professionals. Find out more on the website.