A SWINDON-BASED IT institute has appointed a new boss as it aims to use technology to help solve the world's problems.

Rashik Parmar MBE is now the group CEO of BCS, The Chartered Institute of IT.

The former vice president of technology for IBM in Europe takes over from acting CEO Rob Deri, who remains part of the senior executive team.

Over four decades at IBM, Rashik helped drive its European technology strategy with a focus on guiding companies toward digital transformation and cloud computing.

A Fellow of both IBM and BCS, Rashik gained his MBE for helping local businesses and for his work at IBM’s Academy of Technology. He is a Visiting Professor at Imperial College London.

He will take up his new role on October 1.

Rashik said: “I became a member of BCS in 1981 as a student because I wanted to show my commitment to making IT good for society, as well as being proud to have professional recognition. Even then, it was clear that computing and tech would shape the world’s future.

“That’s why I’m a member today and why I am honoured to have been chosen by the trustee board to lead the professional body for information technology.

“We’re still just beginning to see the full potential of digitisation to solve the world’s great challenges in a sustainable way. So I want BCS to be the home for every tech professional who recognises the power we have to transform lives and who wants to have a say in how that power is used.

“Let’s create a global community of trusted, ethical professionals from cyber security to climate change, who all care about growing diversity and inclusion in their fields, and closing the digital divide.”

BCS president Mayank Prakash said: “This marks the start of a new chapter for BCS. I am delighted that Rashik brings us an unrivalled level of experience gained from a distinguished career in international technology leadership.

"He has the vision to grow and broaden the impact of BCS as technology plays a pivotal role in solving mankind’s biggest challenges, like providing universal access to good health, food and water, education, safety and information.

“On behalf of all board members, I would like to thank Rob Deri for his leadership during this period of transition. Deputy president Gillian Arnold and I are delighted he will continue in a senior executive leadership role.”