David Ivell began his journey in the technology industry through an apprenticeship at IBM, where he trained to become a Systems Engineer. Over the span of 15 years at IBM, David discovered his strength lay in solving business challenges rather than purely technical problems, naturally steering him towards a Solutions Architect role. His passion for finding innovative solutions eventually led him to a Chief Information Officer (CIO) role at Credit Suisse Offshore. During his time there, David successfully managed the technology integration of five banks within the group and played a key role in implementing the Euro currency launch. At EliteX, we are proud to have David Ivell as part of the edition: Prominent Tech Leaders in UK, 2024.
David Ivell | CTO | Team Teach Ltd
With the arrival of his children, David felt a strong desire to shift his focus from the financial sector to organisations with a social purpose. This decision marked a significant turning point in his career. He joined the British Film Institute, where he contributed to the industry’s transition from traditional film reels to digital streaming platforms. Following this, David moved to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, blending his passion for technology and nature. At Kew, he oversaw the digitisation of their extensive botanical archives, broadening access to critical information about flora and sustainability. His role even took him to the rainforests of Sumatra, where he navigated drones over dense jungles, encountering tigers in the process.
“Bridging the gap between technology and business impact remains one of the greatest challenges for today’s CTOs.”
David continued his socially driven career path by joining The Prince’s Trust as their CIO, supporting disadvantaged youth through innovative technology solutions. Later, as Chief Innovation Officer at Enginuity, he pioneered an educational initiative using Minecraft. This project allowed young people to showcase their engineering talents through gameplay, often outperforming graduates with formal engineering degrees. Over the past four years, David has been deeply involved with Team Teach, an organisation within The Empowering Learning Group. Team Teach trains educators to support children with behavioural needs, impacting over 3 million children and their families annually. As part of a successful team, the organisation has scaled its training programs to reach over 120,000 teachers each year. In 2023, David co-founded The Marlow Business School, focusing on world-class leadership training for technology executives. He also authored The International CTO Programme, a book designed to equip technology leaders with the strategic and leadership skills required to succeed in today’s complex tech landscape. The book has been well-received and is selling globally.
David admits that his career path was not always clear from the start. He began his professional journey working in Overseas Securities at Coutts & Company. However, his natural aptitude for technology became apparent when colleagues frequently sought his help with computing systems. Motivated by this realisation, David applied to IBM. When his initial application went unanswered, he took a bold step by personally visiting IBM’s office in Croydon. He wrote letters to several directors listed in the reception area and received two responses, one of which led to a job offer. This determined approach marked the beginning of his successful technology career.
Reflecting on key milestones, David identifies his early achievements at IBM, where he became a Consulting Principal for the Advanced Applications Practice. His time in IBM’s product development labs in Bethesda, USA, also stands out as a formative experience. Moving into his first C-suite role at Credit Suisse was another critical moment, as it provided him with the platform to drive large-scale technology initiatives. His subsequent transition to socially impactful organisations like the British Film Institute, Kew Gardens, The Prince’s Trust, and Team Teach reflects a consistent theme of purpose-driven leadership. In 2018, David also founded EnergiseResources.org, a not-for-profit volunteering platform. This initiative connects skilled professionals with organisations needing technology expertise. Two projects that stood out to David during this period were his collaborations with War Child and Help for Heroes, where technology played a critical role in supporting humanitarian efforts.
“Leaders must not only advocate for new ideas but also ensure their teams are empowered to implement them effectively.”
David believes the UK technology landscape is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, especially in the education sector. He identifies artificial intelligence (AI) as one of the most significant drivers of change. AI-powered tools are enabling personalised learning experiences, supporting teachers by automating administrative tasks, and offering data-driven insights into student performance. Furthermore, mental health and well-being platforms are gaining traction, integrating therapeutic tools and mindfulness applications into educational ecosystems.
Compliance and safeguarding technologies are also becoming increasingly important, particularly in educational institutions where regulatory requirements around data protection are stringent. Hybrid and remote learning models continue to evolve, leveraging cloud-based platforms and mobile-first approaches to ensure accessibility and flexibility in education. For David, the role of CIOs and CTOs today is more complex than ever. Leaders must ensure that every technology initiative aligns with strategic business objectives and delivers measurable value. One of the greatest challenges, he notes, is bridging the gap between technology solutions and their tangible business impacts. This challenge was one of the key motivations behind writing The International CTO Programme. The book focuses on strategy, leadership, and innovation, offering real-world insights to help technology leaders drive meaningful outcomes.
Driving cultural change is another critical challenge. CIOs and CTOs must champion innovation while empowering their teams to embrace and implement new ideas effectively. In David’s view, the ability to balance visionary leadership with practical execution is what sets great technology leaders apart. Innovation remains at the heart of David’s professional ethos. At Team Teach, he has driven digital transformation across the organisation, embedding technology into every aspect of operations.
“Innovation isn’t just a goal; it’s the foundation of how we lead and deliver value in everything we do.”
Central to David’s innovation efforts within the organisations he was worked with is the establishment of an Innovation Lab—a collaborative space designed to foster creativity and experimentation. This lab serves as a hub for exploring emerging technologies, developing innovative solutions, and aligning technology initiatives with broader organisational goals. Throughout his career, David Ivell has demonstrated an exceptional ability to blend technical expertise, strategic leadership, and a passion for meaningful social impact. Whether through his work at major institutions, his initiatives in education and training, or his contributions to technological innovation, David continues to inspire the next generation of technology leaders while making a lasting difference in the communities he serves.