IT Leader profile: Denise Plumpton

Denise Plumpton is director of information for the Highways Agency, with a £60m annual budget

What does your job entail?
I’m a board member of the agency, so I’m involved in all corporate decisions. I’m responsible for all the traffic information we deliver to the public, and also for the more traditional ICT systems, from setting the strategy and policy through to delivery and operation.

What was your first job?
I had various weekend and holiday jobs before going to university, including working as a shop assistant and as a typist. At college I worked as a data analyst, and my first job after graduating was in operational research for a major automotive manufacturer.

How did you get into the IT profession?
As an operational research analyst, we used computer simulation for problem solving. My department then became part of the larger IT department in the company, and that’s how it all started.

If you weren’t working in IT, what would you be doing?
When I went to Crete on holiday, I noticed that they didn’t have any cheesecakes.
I considered setting up a cheesecake shop but never took the plunge. I guess my life could have turned out very differently had I done so.

How often do you check your BlackBerry?
Too often. I really must learn to use the “off” switch more.

Which recent IT news item do you think will have the biggest impact on your organisation?
The focus on data handling and security of information has had an enormous
impact on the way we operate and use our IT. Coupled with the targets on carbon reduction and the role that IT can play in making that happen, there’s enough to keep us busy for a while.