The Journey of Jacqueline de Rojas: A Leader in Technology and Diversity
Jacqueline de Rojas CBE is a prominent British businesswoman and an influential leader in the technology industry. With a career spanning over three decades, she has made a significant impact on the tech landscape, both through her work at leading companies and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion. Known for her dedication to empowering others and her passion for technology, Jacqueline has become a role model for many aspiring professionals, especially women in tech.
Early Life and Education
Born in Folkestone, England, Jacqueline de Rojas has a diverse heritage, being of both Chinese and British descent. Growing up in an environment that presented many challenges, she learned to persevere early in life. Jacqueline excelled academically, studying European Business at Fachhochschule Reutlingen in Germany and later obtaining a degree in European Business Administration from Middlesex University. These academic foundations played a crucial role in shaping her leadership and business acumen, setting her on the path to becoming a trailblazer in the tech world.
Jacqueline de Rojas’ Career in Technology
Leadership Roles in Major Tech Companies
Throughout her career, Jacqueline de Rojas has held prominent leadership roles in several high-profile technology companies. She has worked for global giants such as Citrix, McAfee, Business Objects, and Informix. Her expertise in operational excellence and talent management allowed her to lead teams toward success in an ever-evolving tech industry.
Jacqueline’s experience also extends beyond operational roles. She has served as the President of techUK, a leading UK technology trade association. In this capacity, she advocated for the advancement of the technology sector and pushed for increased investment in the UK’s digital future. Under her leadership, techUK supported policies that promoted innovation and ensured the UK remained a leader in the global tech space.
Focus on Digital Skills and Inclusion
As a passionate advocate for digital skills and diversity, Jacqueline de Rojas played a key role in establishing initiatives that promote the growth of a skilled, diverse workforce in the technology industry. She serves as the Chair of the Institute of Coding, an organization focused on closing the digital skills gap by building new educational programs and fostering collaboration between industry and academia. Her efforts are aimed at creating opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women and minorities, to thrive in the tech sector.
Her work with Digital Leaders, an initiative dedicated to transforming public services and driving digital innovation across various sectors, has further cemented her reputation as a forward-thinking leader. By promoting digital inclusion, she has contributed to ensuring that people from all walks of life can harness the power of technology to improve their lives.
Expanding Influence: Recent Roles and Achievements
Chair of the Bletchley Park Trust
In 2024, Jacqueline de Rojas was appointed Chair of the Bletchley Park Trust. Bletchley Park, known for its pivotal role in World War II codebreaking, is a heritage site that houses a museum dedicated to the legacy of British codebreakers and the technological innovations that helped win the war. As Chair, Jacqueline plays a crucial role in preserving the history and technological heritage of the site while ensuring that its stories continue to inspire future generations.
Mentor at Merryck & Co.
Since 2018, Jacqueline has served as a mentor at Merryck & Co., a firm that specializes in executive leadership development. Through her work at Merryck & Co., she helps leaders navigate complex business environments, emphasizing the importance of coaching, goal setting, and operational excellence. Jacqueline’s mentoring supports organizations in accelerating leadership impact and fostering talent within the tech and digital sectors.
Non-Executive Director at IFS
Jacqueline’s experience extends to her role as a Non-Executive Director at IFS, a global enterprise cloud software provider. In this capacity, she contributes to the company’s strategic direction, helping it harness cutting-edge technologies like AI and cloud computing to enhance business operations and improve customer outcomes. Her work at IFS highlights her deep expertise in leveraging technology to solve complex challenges and drive business growth.
Non-Executive Director at Rightmove
Jacqueline has also served as a Non-Executive Director at Rightmove, the UK’s largest property portal. She joined the company’s board in 2016, helping to guide its strategy and digital transformation. With a deep understanding of technology’s role in enhancing business operations, Jacqueline has contributed to Rightmove’s efforts to expand its market share and continue providing valuable insights and tools to both buyers and sellers.
Non-Executive Director at FDM Group
At FDM Group, an award-winning FTSE 250 company, Jacqueline has served as a Non-Executive Director since 2019. FDM Group is renowned for its dynamic Careers Programme, which helps train graduates, returners to work, and ex-forces personnel in key disciplines like business analysis, software development, and IT service management. Jacqueline’s work at FDM aligns with her passion for solving the skills crisis in the UK’s tech industry and supporting a diverse, inclusive workforce.
Honors and Awards
Jacqueline de Rojas’ exceptional leadership and contributions to technology have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of her remarkable work in the field of international trade and technology, she was appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s New Year Honours List in 2018. This prestigious honor reflects her tireless efforts in advancing the UK’s tech industry on the global stage.
Additionally, Jacqueline has earned a place in the Most Influential Women in UK IT Hall of Fame and was voted as one of Europe’s 50 most inspiring female business leaders in 2017. Her commitment to promoting diversity in the tech industry earned her the Advocate of the Year award in 2018, a testament to her dedication to empowering women in technology.
Family Life: Jacqueline de Rojas’ Husband and Daughter
While Jacqueline de Rojas has achieved great success in her professional career, she also values the importance of family. She is married to Roger Andrews, and together, they have raised a family. Jacqueline often speaks about how her family has supported her throughout her journey, offering love and encouragement during both the challenges and triumphs of her career. The couple shares their home with their children and two dogs, creating a balanced environment that fosters both professional success and personal fulfillment.
Though Jacqueline keeps much of her personal life private, it is clear that family plays a significant role in her life. Her daughter, like Jacqueline, has been inspired by her mother’s dedication to her work and her commitment to making a difference in the world.
Education: A Foundation for Success
Jacqueline de Rojas’ education laid the foundation for her achievements in the technology sector. As a graduate of Fachhochschule Reutlingen and Middlesex University, her focus on European Business equipped her with the knowledge and skills to thrive in an international business environment. Her education was complemented by her passion for learning, which led her to pursue continuous professional development through certifications in coaching and non-violent communication.
Her dedication to education is reflected in her commitment to initiatives that promote digital learning and development, especially for underrepresented groups. Jacqueline believes that continuous learning is essential to staying ahead in the fast-paced world of technology, and she advocates for lifelong learning as a core principle of success in the tech industry.
Jacqueline de Rojas’ Legacy
Jacqueline de Rojas has made an indelible mark on the tech industry through her leadership, advocacy for diversity, and contributions to closing the digital skills gap. Her work has not only transformed the companies and organizations she’s worked with but has also inspired the next generation of tech leaders. As she continues to advocate for greater inclusion in technology, she sets an example for others to follow, proving that diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a business advantage.
In conclusion, Jacqueline de Rojas CBE is more than just a business leader in the tech industry; she is a change agent who has worked tirelessly to ensure that technology serves as a tool for empowerment and innovation. Through her leadership at techUK, the Institute of Coding, and Digital Leaders, her advocacy for diversity, and her commitment to driving change, Jacqueline de Rojas has proven to be a true pioneer in the digital age.
