Name: Emma Robertson
Company: Transform
Position: CEO
Website: https://www.transformuk.com/
About Emma Robertson
Emma Robertson, CEO of Transform UK, is a leader in driving data and technology-led transformation for businesses navigating the complexities of the modern world. With over 25 years of experience, Emma’s knowledge of digital transformation and ecosystem thinking has empowered blue-chip and emerging companies to remain agile, innovative, and customer centric.
When Emma first joined Transform as a freelance associate, consultancy was not her intended career path. However, what she discovered was something that has changed the direction of her career – a passion for collaboration, problem-solving, and digital transformation.
With her previous career at BT as Head of E-Commerce, Emma was an accomplished expert at the forefront of the rapidly evolving digital landscape and quickly became central in leading digital transformation programmes at Transform, pioneering initiatives such as the launch of Argos’ first iPhone and iPad apps and introducing same-day delivery services.
In 2012, Emma took a significant step up as Managing Director of Transform. With no prior experience in running a business at this scale, this next phase was defined by ongoing learning, navigating P&L management, HR complexities, and the challenges of a post-financial crisis economy.
Under Emma’s leadership, Transform played a key role in the UK government’s digital transformation, delivering groundbreaking work such as the Lasting Power of Attorney service for the Office of the Public Guardian, the first of the government’s 25 digital exemplars to go live. A major contract with the Home Office followed, cementing Transform’s reputation in digital government services, including Martha Lane Fox’s digital reports which empowered digital transformation and inclusion in the UK.
The growth journey was far from linear. Over the years, Emma navigated the business through mergers, private equity ownership, and strategic reinventions, growing Transform’s revenue from £6 million to £35 million by 2022. The same year, Transform was acquired by Next 15, allowing for a renewed focus on strategy, technology, and digital transformation – Emma led this transition with a focus on willingness to embrace change, take calculated risks, and foster a culture of resilience.
Under Emma’s leadership, Transform has grown into a leading consultancy with 230 employees and £48 million in revenue. More than just financial success, the company has cultivated a culture of innovation, diversity of thought and experience, and bold problem-solving – the foundation of Transform’s impact.
A major milestone this year has been the strategic acquisition of a complementary business -public service consultancy Cadence Innova. Rather than a simple integration, the focus is on creating something greater than the sum of its parts – bringing together people, culture, and opportunities.
Looking ahead, the ambition is to step out of the shadows of larger firms and claim a leadership position in the industry. With a newly launched purpose to help clients embrace tomorrow with confidence, Transform is set to redefine how businesses navigate change. AI, much like digital transformation before it, presents both challenge and opportunity. By embracing this shift internally, Transform guides its clients through the complexities of emerging technology, ensuring they don’t just adapt but thrive.
