London Mayor pays tribute to City of London’s chief digital officer Theo Blackwell for MBE
London’s chief digital officer Theo Blackwell has been named in the Queen’s new year’s honours list with an MBE for services to local government digital transformation.
Theo Blackwell, London's chief digital officer, receives MBE
Blackwell, who works within the London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s team, joined in September 2017 having previously served as the cabinet member for finance, technology and growth in Camden.
His role sees him charged with the technological development of London as a Smart City, ensuring that it continues to innovate and introduce technology that will benefit citizens and the economy.
Khan took to Twitter to congratulate Blackwell on the recognition: “Since being appointed as London's first Chief Digital Officer, @LDN_CDO Theo Blackwell has played a pivotal role in transforming the way London’s public services are designed and delivered – improving the lives of Londoners. Great to see Theo recognised in the #NewYearsHonours.”
Since being appointed as London's first Chief Digital Officer, @LDN_CDO Theo Blackwell has played a pivotal role in transforming the way London’s public services are designed and delivered – improving the lives of Londoners. Great to see Theo recognised in the #NewYearsHonours. pic.twitter.com/dqWBDPozBF
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) December 29, 2018
Blackwell, who was a keynote speaker at The Drum's Future of Marketing conference in November, has also responded online in response to a congratulatory message from Camden Council, where he said: “Thanks Camden, really pleased!! I count myself lucky to have worked with such a positive & forward-looking team there. In Camden & local government there’s so much bold thinking in design, open data, sharing & collaborating... Looking forward to 2019.”
Thanks Camden, really pleased!! I count myself lucky to have worked with such a positive & forward-looking team there. In Camden & local government there’s so much bold thinking in design, open data, sharing & collaborating... Looking forward to 2019 https://t.co/cwhv2Jw34C
— Theo Blackwell (@LDN_CDO) December 29, 2018
This year, 1,148 people have been recongnised for their service on the list, with other media and marketing professionals including Glenda Bailey, editor of the US edition of Harper's Bazaar magazine, who has become a Dame in recognition of services to journalism while Christopher Bailey-Woods, president of Burberry, and Whitbread's chief executive Alison Brittain received CBEs.