Simplifying Technology. Empowering Your Business.
My name is Giles Thurston, an experienced software, technology and business leader, with nearly 30 years experience across a wide range of industries and sectors.
Running a growing organisation is challenging enough without technology getting in the way. As your Fractional CIO, I help you turn technology from a source of frustration into a competitive advantage. No jargon, no unnecessary complexity – just practical technology leadership that aligns with your business goals and budget. And when you need to build something new or transform digitally? I can step into a CTO role to make it happen.
With a foundation built on openness, honesty, and collaboration, I work as an extension of your team. Not just a consultant but a partner in your success. Whether you’re navigating digital transformation, scaling operations, or aligning your tech with your business goals, I’ll help you cut through the noise and make clear, confident decisions.
My approach is straightforward:
Simplify, don’t complicate.
Every solution should be easy to understand and aligned with your business needs.
Put people first.
I make the technical understandable, ensuring you feel confident every step of the way.
Be accessible.
Technology serves people, not the other way around. Together, we’ll build systems that empower your team.
Let’s take the “tech” out of technology and focus on building tools and strategies that support your vision.
Whether you need a guide through a tricky project or a part-time leader to drive your tech strategy forward, I’m here to help.
More about Giles
With nearly 30 years of experience in technology, I have built a career spanning software development, digital design, product management, and business leadership. My expertise lies in simplifying the complex and delivering innovative yet practical solutions that empower teams and drive businesses forward. I thrive in environments where collaboration and strategic thinking intersect, leveraging my open and relaxed leadership style to guide projects and businesses to success.
Beyond the workplace, I am a husband, father of two and a Trustee for the charity Mind Over Mountains. My passion for ultra-running and endurance adventures also, I believe, reflects my drive and commitment. These experiences, combined with a collaborative mindset, allow me to bring energy, resilience, and a fresh perspective to the businesses, teams and projects I support.
What Others Say
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“[I was} really impressed by his ability to envision digital transformation in a way that serves core strategic needs ... Giles brought a 360 view that allowed to formulate a actionable strategic recommendation and then tackle the implementation part.”
Olivier Lesueur
Principal Consultant, Life Sciences -
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"I count myself extremely fortunate to have spent three and a half years working with Giles. He is quite simply an inspirational individual whom combines technical expertise, commercial acumen and leadership. "
Ian Waters
Customer Success Manager -
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"Giles has a breadth of experience and a direct management style which gets things done. He can turn his hand to a wide range of activities, feeling as comfortable selling to a client as steering a technical discussion."
Mark Cheverton
Fractional CTO -
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"Giles is a consummate consultant - he ensures he fully understands the clients needs before recommending any solution. He also understand the importance of developing the organisation simultaneously to ensure new digital systems are fully integrated ensuring they add the expected value."
Sophie Hall
Commercial leader and Change professional -
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"Giles' people management skills are second to none, drawing praise from both his peers on the management team and those who worked for him ... He is an excellent communicator and is able to work at all levels of an organisation with both technical and non-technical clients and staff. "
Campbell Grant
Chair and CEO -
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Giles is both deeply technical and a deeply human professional .... His leadership skills are born, not of a classroom, but on an inherently human level of understanding of people. He is focussed and he can be trusted.
Stuart Barker
ISO 27001 expert and thought leader -
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(Giles) makes complex technical ideas feel simple and approachable, he’s thoughtful about the end user, supportive of his team, and brings a calm, open presence to any room.
Marie-Clare Wilson
Patient Safety Lead, Life Sciences -
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[Giles] cared about doing things the right way, whether it was around data protection, digital transformation, or just supporting his team to grow and succeed. Giles always made collaboration easy and enjoyable, which is why he leaves such a positive mark on everyone who’s had the chance to work with him.
Stuart Anderson
CEO XpertDPO -
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Giles provided invaluable knowledge, insight and support in helping me navigate the app build, bridging the gap between myself and the software company ... The result was the successful release, delivered on time, within budget and with overwhelming positive customer feedback.
Alex Stanley, CEO and Founder
