Mark Alford
About Mark Alford
Mark Alford serves as the Director of Technology at Sanderson in Bristol, England, a position he has held since 2022. He has extensive experience in project and program management, having worked in various roles at AXA and Nationwide Building Society over the years.
Current Role at Sanderson
Mark Alford serves as the Director of Technology at Sanderson, a position he has held since 2022. Based in Bristol, England, he works on-site and is responsible for overseeing technology initiatives within the organization. His role involves enhancing operational efficiency and implementing strategic technology solutions to support the company's objectives.
Previous Experience at AXA
Mark Alford has extensive experience at AXA, where he held multiple roles over several years. He worked as a Project Manager from 2005 to 2006, later becoming a Project Portfolio Manager in 2006 and serving in this capacity until 2008. He also held positions as Programme Manager for various projects, including the Transversal Services Migration Programme and PCI DSS, from 2009 to 2013. His tenure at AXA included leading significant initiatives, such as the migration of the finance system to enhance financial operations.
Experience at Nationwide Building Society
At Nationwide Building Society, Mark Alford worked in several key roles from 2002 to 2020. He served as a Technical Consultant, Senior Project Manager for various squads, and Programme Manager for Enterprise Development Transformation. His responsibilities included managing technology projects and overseeing the development of digital channels. He played a crucial role in stabilizing delivery management and enhancing internal processes.
Educational Background and Certifications
Mark Alford studied at APM and achieved the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification. This qualification reflects his expertise in project management methodologies, equipping him with the skills necessary to manage complex projects effectively. His educational background supports his extensive experience in technology and project management roles across various organizations.
Key Achievements and Initiatives
Throughout his career, Mark Alford has implemented several initiatives that have contributed to organizational improvements. He directed the Azure migration and infrastructure reduction initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, he led the Tech Bar initiative to promote technology functions across 12 global offices. He has also ensured compliance with security standards, including cyber essentials plus and ISO 27001 governance, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining high security standards in technology operations.