Lorraine Dodd

“I firmly believe there is no single route into technology”

Part of the Tech Women Celebration 50 – a curated list of some of the most inspirational women working at all levels of tech

Lorraine Dodd - Experienced IS/IT Director with 16 years at Renault Group, passionate about using technology to drive business transformation and measurable results. I lead teams across AI, infrastructure, cyber security, digitisation and business intelligence at Renault UK, ensuring technology supports growth, efficiency and strategic goals.

Proud to be recognised in Computing's IT Leaders 100 (2024, 2025, 2026), Tech Women 50 (2024, 2025), and as Inspiring Automotive Women Winner 2026. A strong advocate for women in tech, I run insight days for young girls and serve as a Primary School Governor. I believe technology should enhance human potential and unlock innovation.

Tell us about your biggest achievement to date

I have been privileged to lead a talented team through a transformation, and we are now at the point where we are seeing the benefits of strong foundations, clear priorities and a collective commitment to improvement.

Our focus has been on simplifying where possible, strengthening what already worked well, and ensuring every change delivered meaningful value for the business. Together, we have shifted perceptions of IT from a support function to a trusted strategic partner.

The results show the team's dedication to achieving this, across 2024 and 2025 we achieved 92% on-time, to-standard delivery, while project output increased without growing the team.

We continue to innovative most recently deploying AI solutions for employees, the network and customers whilst influencing wider adoption across the Renault Group. Simplification has been a key part of this, we have decommissioned half of our legacy applications, lowered cloud costs by 27%, and significantly increased user self-service adoption while maintaining 99% customer satisfaction.

What is the most significant challenge you have overcome?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been sustaining a high level of performance at work whilst maintaining balance outside of work. As a working mum, being present for my children is incredibly important to me. They are growing up quickly, and I want to be fully engaged in those moments rather than constantly thinking about the next meeting, project or deadline.

Like many parents, I am balancing a leadership role at work with an equally important role at home. Over time, I realised that being constantly available and operating at full capacity is not sustainable, regardless of how much you enjoy the work. The challenge was not capability; it was recognising that resilience and wellbeing are essential leadership skills too.

I am trying my best to be more intentional. I am more conscious of creating space to recharge and being sure to be fully present in the right moments whether that is leading the team, supporting colleagues or spending time with family.

Tell us something about you people would find surprising

Sometimes people ask which university I attended. particularly when they learn that I lead the IS/IT function. I never went to university. Everything I have achieved in my career has come through hands on experience, self-learning and a willingness to continually develop myself.

Over the years I have worked in almost every role imaginable within IS/IT. From operational and testing roles through to projects, leadership and transformation, each opportunity has taught me something different. I built my knowledge by doing, learning from others and stepping into challenges before I felt completely ready. I have deliberately pushed myself outside of my comfort zone at every available opportunity.

That experience has shaped how I lead today. I firmly believe there is no single route into technology. Talent, curiosity, determination and a desire to learn are just as important as formal qualifications. I am proud to be proof that successful careers in technology can begin in many ways.