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Susan Cooklin is the CIO at Network Rail where she leads activities that underpin a large and complex technology portfolio focused on reducing the cost of running the railway by 21% by 2014.

Initially studying economics and accountancy, she moved into technology in the financial services sector. Over the last 20 years she has held senior and executive roles in both IT and business operations within FTSE top 20 companies in the UK. Before joining Network Rail she spent 7 years at Barclays Banking Group in a variety of executive roles in technology, change and operations.

Susan is passionate about using innovative technology to drive increased business performance. In 2009, she took over the role of CIO at Network Rail running the IT services and change portfolio for the UK’s rail infrastructure provider. Last year her department won 2 UK IT industry awards. In September 2011, she was asked to join the board of Leeds Metropolitan University as a Non-Executive director. Susan is based in London, UK.

“I feel privileged to be considered for this most prestigious MIT award. I am passionate about using innovation processes in the application of technology to drive increased business performance, and I am proud to be part of a team at Network Rail where new ideas are recognised and valued.”