Naomi Hutchinson | Chief Innovation and Growth Officer
Sunderland City Council

As Chief Innovation and Growth Officer in Sunderland City Council’s Smart City team, Naomi’s role is focused on ensuring Sunderland’s Smart City programme can realise social, economic and environmental benefits for residents and businesses alike. Naomi is often the one asking the ‘so what’ question, ensuring that everything the Smart City team delivers has an impact: there is no tech for tech’s sake! Naomi has over a decade of experience working with the region’s tech and digital sectors. In her previous role before joining Sunderland City Council Naomi supported a wide range of manufacturing and creative industries, honing her skills and knowledge of how technology and innovation can boost business competitiveness and efficiency. Naomi now applies this knowledge to help Sunderland achieve its ambition to be the UK’s smartest city.