Headforwards has appointed Jon Dodkins as its Head of Technical Solutions. This appears to be a new role at Headforwards, which will see Dodkins lead the company’s software and technology solutions strategy. Headforwards offers several advisory services and builds bespoke software solutions using industry-standard platforms from Microsoft, AWS and others.
Dodkins will help drive the company to its next phase of growth. He has been tasked with expanding the software development and consulting capabilities. Notably, expanding the AI capabilities of the Cornwall based firm. He is aware of the risks and opportunities that AI brings. In a recent blog, he stated, “AI is set to transform software engineering by amplifying software engineers’ capabilities, not replacing them. It acts as a force multiplier – enhancing skills, both good and bad, depending on who wields it.”
Founded in 2011, the company now has over 100 employees. It has worked with organisations such as the John Lewis Partnership, AXA, NTT, and the Cornwall Council.
Craig Girvan, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Headforwards, said, “As Jon joins us with such immense expertise in cloud, technology operations and engineering at an enterprise level, I’m looking forward to working alongside him to continually challenge what’s possible at Headforwards. His deep expertise in IT, DevOps and cloud, with experience spanning various regulatory contexts, aligns with Headforwards’ commitment to driving transformation and efficiency for its broad client base.
“Jon will lead an experienced team to set new ambitions for transformation through technology excellence, human expertise and process and to build a strong inclusive team culture.”
Who is Jon Dodkins?
Dodkins is returning to the firm where he worked as a product development consultant and team coach. Since leaving Headforwards, he has held senior leadership positions at both Birdie and OVO. At Birdie, he was Head of Platform. He also helped scale the technical team using DevOps practices and aligning the roadmaps to drive sustainable security and reliability engineering practices.
At OVO, he held several senior positions. He was was promoted to Director, Engineering – Infrastructure and Engineering Enablement where he led a team of up to 90 technologists. It was his second stint at OVO. He also has leadership experience working in the public sector both at Cornwall Council and the Ministry of Education of New Zealand.
Overall, Dodkins has more than two decades of experience working around platform strategy, cloud, development and DevOps. Importantly, he understands the culture and abilities that Headforwards already has. He can bring a breadth and depth of experience to client engagements.
Dodkins commented, “I am driven to solve complex problems that ultimately improve customer experience, and my career has led me to view everything socio-technically – you ship the software and systems that your organisation’s structures, culture and teams create. I’ve worked in roles that are equivalent to CIO in an engineering capacity. And I’m excited to join Headforwards, where I can help more companies across wider and more varied contexts.
“My particular focus is on improving the developer experience and optimising the software development life cycle. So will be driving this both within Headforwards and for their new and existing clients. Some key priorities will be exploring the possibilities of new technologies, such as AI, and ensuring the highest standards are met – and reset – in what we deliver.”
Enterprise Times: What does this mean
Is this another step on Dodkins’ career path? Each change in role sees him take on greater responsibility. It will be interesting to see how he plans to help expand Headforwards. Also, what new capabilities he brings into the organisations. While Headforwads is based in Cornwall, it also has technical staff working remotely. While it has no open vacancies currently, it is willing to consider applicants looking to work for a forward-thinking consultancy and development firm.
