Lesley Salmon

One of the Tech Women Celebration 50 - women changing the ratio of the tech workforce

Lesley Salmon, Chief Digital & Information Officer at Kellanova is both business leader and technology specialist. As she puts it:

"Ultimately, I'm on the hook for creating maximum value for Kellanova by marrying our IT goals with our business strategy to drive impactful business outcomes."

Lesley grew uo in the IT industry, learning on the job, and therefore doesn't have a traditional education background.

"When I realised I wanted a career and not a job I found my path into the IT world, with a director who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to join the company's graduate programme.

"I studied Computer Studies at school and as well as enjoying it, I was really good at it - so when an opportunity for a role in the IT function came up, I jumped at the chance.

"My first interview for a job in IT was also the first time I experienced discrimination due to my gender - when I was informed that 'even the men' found the shifts very difficult. That was it - from that moment I was determined to prove that females could be successful in IT - and anything else they choose to do!"

Lesley is, and has been throughout her career a strong advocate for the advancement of women in business, a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and champion of multicultural diversity inside and outside the company. She recently delivered a keynote talk at the Women in Technology Festival on the benefits to both employers and employees of supporting women from diverse backgrounds in their careers to ensure they remain in the workforce.

"I'm the Exec Sponsor for the K Pride & Allies ERG, helping to bring our vision and purpose to life by supporting LGBTQ+ communities around the world. My leadership team and I role model an inclusive culture which invites colleagues at every level of the team to play their part in creating the future of Kellogg IT.

"Additionally, I'm passionate about our company achieving our ESG goals, and work to ensure that we're a good steward for equity, diversity and inclusion and sustainable IT."