Robert Elsey

Part of the IT Leaders 100 - a list of the most influential IT leaders in the UK in 2025.

Robert Elsey is Group CTO at the Co-op, where he leads the organisation’s technology strategy across its diverse portfolio. Since joining in 2021, he has focused on modernising legacy systems, enabling cloud adoption and enhancing resilience to better support the business and its members.

We have included Robert in this year’s IT Leaders 100 list not just because of his excellent day-to-day work, but for leading the firm’s fast response to a cyberattack in May 2025. Unlike other retailers hit at the same time, the Co-op returned to normal operations within days.

Prior to the Co-op, Robert was Executive Director and CIO at the Bank of England, where he led a major overhaul of the Bank’s technology estate. He introduced agile delivery models, simplified infrastructure and strengthened cybersecurity in one of the UK’s most high-profile institutions.

With over two decades in technology and digital leadership, Robert combines strategic vision with deep operational knowledge. He has a strong track record in large-scale transformation, regulatory environments and data-driven delivery.