Rob Newnes Smith
About Rob Newnes Smith
Rob Newnes Smith serves as the Chief Technology Officer for Digital, Employees & Partners at Thomson Reuters, where he has worked since 2018. He has extensive experience in technology transformation and has successfully led various SaaS deployments, contributing to the company's ability to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Work at Thomson Reuters
Rob Newnes Smith has held multiple roles at Thomson Reuters, contributing significantly to the company's technological advancements. He served as Regional Head of Support for Asia in 2009, where he focused on regional support strategies for five months in Singapore. From 2005 to 2008, he was the Head of Technology Transformation in London, overseeing key technology initiatives. He then transitioned to the role of VP, Data Centre Systems for six months in 2012, followed by VP, Shared Services, Data Centre Operations from 2012 to 2014. He continued to advance through the ranks as VP, Enterprise Business Systems from 2016 to 2018, and finally, he assumed the position of CTO, Digital, Employees & Partners in 2018, where he has been for six years.
Education and Expertise
Rob Newnes Smith studied at the University of Exeter from 1993 to 1997, earning a Master's degree in Engineering & Management. Prior to that, he attended the Royal Grammar School in Guildford from 1986 to 1991. His educational background has equipped him with a solid foundation in engineering principles and management practices, which he has applied throughout his career in technology leadership roles.
Background
Rob Newnes Smith has extensive international experience, having been based in Asia twice. This exposure has enhanced his ability to build diverse and inclusive teams. He has managed global teams across Canada, India, the UK, and the US, demonstrating a strong capability in cross-cultural leadership and collaboration. His career has been marked by a focus on integrating complex service providers and enhancing operational efficiencies.
Achievements
In his role as CTO, Digital, Employees & Partners at Thomson Reuters, Rob Newnes Smith has led significant technological deployments, including O365 and S/4 Hana, as well as various other SaaS-based technologies. He played a crucial role in enabling 98% of Thomson Reuters employees to work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing his leadership in crisis management. Additionally, he is responsible for the Service Integration & Management (SIAM) practice, which integrates a complex range of internal and external service providers.