Get to know your local ambassador  Bahi Balarajah

Describe your current role/company: I am the Founder and Principal Consultant at Nexus Exponential, an independent technology consultancy helping businesses harness technology for growth and exceptional user experiences. We provide fractional CTO services, embedding ourselves within organisations to deliver strategic technology leadership without the full-time cost. We can help you create your technology strategy and, if you wish, execute it to ensure real impact.

Previous roles:

Technology Advisor at AB Enzymes – Provided Technology Advisory services to the Head of Global IT at ABE, focusing on strategic guidance and support. Played a key role in reviewing and enhancing the company’s digital innovations roadmap, ensuring alignment with industry trends and organizational goals

Technology Business Partner – Twinings Supply Chain at Twinings – A member of the Twinings Supply Chain (TSC) Executive Committee, I spearheaded the creation of the TSC Digital Roadmap through rigorous capability analysis, fostering strong relationships across functional areas. I also aided in key business projects, such as Spend Analysis and SpecPage, driving them forward.

Additionally, I served as interim Business Technology Director, overseeing daily operations and serving as the central point of escalation for Central Business Technology. Furthermore, I provided guidance and mentorship to members of the Business Technology team, facilitating their professional and personal growth.

Technology Business Partner at Associated British Foods plc (ABF) – A key member of the senior leadership team managing the relationship between the Shared Service Centre (SSC) and two of Associated British Food’s global business units, representing the needs of the business within the SSC, and vice versa.

Working closely with the business unit’s IS Directors and their senior leadership team to understand their strategic and tactical needs, drive forward innovative solutions and forge a close, productive and beneficial partnership. Helping to define, develop and execute on the SSC’s strategy and ensure that there is alignment with business units own strategies.

Global Head of IT at Hakluyt & Company – Remit to develop and drive the global IT strategy and infrastructure to underpin and to securely and cost effectively serve the highly mobile workforce. Managing a team of internal and outsourced technical support and administrative staff over nine international sites, as well as managing the service desk. Overall management of the annual budget for global IT infrastructure, people, Opex and Capex and the quarterly technology and operational board reporting.

Technology Officer at Egerton Capital LLP – Reporting to the CEO managing a team of support analysts and developers and the technology budget. Transformed a struggling IT department by engaging with business stakeholders to deliver key business outcomes and align the technology and business strategies. Identified and delivered numerous cost reductions across the business, in particular reducing telecommunication costs by 25%.

Successfully delivered their largest IT project implementing an order management and fund accounting system from strategy, research, procurement, development, implementation, project management and support. Along with a complete redesign of the infrastructure, ensuring it was fit for purpose and scalable.

Technology Manager at Schroders – Following the acquisition of Beaumont Capital by Schroders led the integration of the technology for both organisations and subsequent implementation and support for the hedge fund division.

Technology Manager at Beaumont Capital – As a startup hedge fund I designed, planned, implemented and managed the technology infrastructure and the trading and CRM platforms.

Outside work (hobbies/interests):

My greatest commitment is to my family, beyond that I love to travel, try to keep fit by going to the gym, playing squash and badminton. I also enjoy food and fine dining

How long have you been an IoD member?

Coming up to 2 years

Describe your role as an Ambassador:

As Technology Ambassador for the IoD Surrey and Berkshire Division, I draw on my expertise to help businesses strategically harness technology for growth, value creation, and exceptional user experiences. My role is to champion the use of technology, innovation, and digital transformation among business leaders, acting as a bridge between leadership and the rapidly evolving technology landscape. I provide insights on emerging technologies, share best practices, and support members in understanding how technology can drive growth, resilience, and deliver measurable value within their organisations.

What part of IoD membership do you value most?

What I value most about my IoD membership is the networking opportunities it provides. Starting a business can feel like a lonely journey, but being part of this community has changed that. The people I’ve met have been fantastic, and the conversations truly inspiring. What makes it even more valuable is the diversity within the network – it’s not just technology professionals, but leaders from a wide range of industries, which brings fresh perspectives and real learning.

What are the top three things about your branch area?

Firstly, our Chair and Vice Chair – they are simply fantastic. Their enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment to driving an engaging events schedule make a huge difference, and they are always incredibly supportive. Secondly, the events themselves – they are superb, thought-provoking, and consistently deliver real value. Finally, and most importantly, the members who attend – brilliant, welcoming people who make every event enjoyable and inspiring.

What are you most looking forward to in the next 12 months?

Helping more businesses to gain true value from technology for their businesses and teams.