Tom Gray celebrated for outstanding contribution

Software NI founding board member Tom Gray has been named the winner of Outstanding Contribution to the IT Sector, in recognition of his decades-long contribution to the sector.

Tom recently retired from a day-to-day role with Kainos plc after more than 30 years, including as chief technology officer.

Speaking about the win, Tom said he was “overwhelmed” and “delighted” to have received such recognition from his colleagues.

Reflecting on his career, he said it was “great to be part of that journey” that saw the IT (or as Tom would say, "Software") industry here “grow from a few, very small embers to the roaring conflagration of excellence and innovation that it currently is”.

In their remarks, the judges referred to Tom as “a computer scientist with an eye for detail and strategic nose” and “an understated legend in the NI software industry”.

They said: “Having enjoyed a career with NI indigenous firm Kainos, in 2025 Tom stepped down from his role as group chief technology officer and director of innovation.

“In addition to his contributions at the company level, where he has been a superb advocate for early tech talent, Tom stands out for his dedication to the wider software industry and for helping the entire ecosystem thrive as it does today.

“This has seen him volunteer countless hours; days, months and years advising and advocating for initiatives that have helped accelerate the industry – further borne out in his countless commitments to initiatives with universities, schools, the sponsoring of programmes, and as a founding member of Software NI.

“Despite being formally ‘retired’ Tom shows no sign of slowing down, most recently leading the development of a report by Matrix NI on AI and the Future of Work.

“He has also recently accepted the appointment of Professor of AI and Innovation at Ulster University.

“It is impossible to sum up a person’s contribution over many decades, and so this award is a token of our acknowledgment for the many things seen, and unseen.”

Other winners

It was also a great night for Software NI members and employees. Winners included Allstate, Aileen Ward of Allstate, Liberty IT, Eve Brennan of Business Insider and two fantastic soon-to-be-announced new members!     

Well done Tom and all the winners - thanks for your continued support.