BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, has announced a significant restructuring of its senior leadership team with the appointment of two former ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) executives. The recruitment of Harpreet Panesar as Director of Membership and Volunteer Engagement and Adam Thompson as Director of Digital signals a strategic intent to adopt the high-touch engagement and sophisticated digital infrastructure typical of the finance sector’s Secretariat models.

Integration of Membership and Volunteer Networks

In her new remit, Harpreet Panesar will oversee the growth, diversification, and retention of the BCS membership base. Joining after a 25-year tenure at ICAEW—most recently as Head of the Student to Member Journey—Panesar is tasked with implementing the outcomes of a recent membership community review.

The focus of this role is twofold:

• Expert Community Maximisation: Enhancing the impact of BCS’s volunteer networks and specialist groups.
• Lifecycle Management: Ensuring the professional body remains relevant across a diverse demographic, from entry-level students to senior Fellows.

Digital Ecosystem Modernisation

Adam Thompson joins as Director of Digital, bringing 13 years of experience in digital product and user experience (UX) from the accountancy sector. His track record includes overseeing major platform transformations and the early adoption of Generative AI for member experience.

At BCS, Thompson will be responsible for a wholesale overhaul of the digital ecosystem, including:

• The Membership Portal: Streamlining the interface for member interactions.
• Learning and Certification Journeys: Modernising the delivery of CPD and professional registration.
• Data-Informed Strategy: Utilising emerging technologies to create a “future-ready” infrastructure that mirrors the standards expected of the professional home for AI.

Leadership Perspectives

“As technology reshapes every sector of society, the role of a strong, trusted professional body has never been more important. BCS is the home of professionalism in AI, and that demands excellence in both how we serve our members and how we operate digitally.” — Sharron Gunn, CEO of BCS

“I’m delighted to be joining BCS at such an important moment for the profession. Across my career, I’ve seen how powerful professional communities can be in shaping standards, supporting career progression and creating a genuine sense of belonging. BCS has an extraordinary network of volunteers, expert groups and members. I’m excited to build on that foundation.” — Harpreet Panesar, Director of Membership and Volunteer Engagement