Tech City chairman ‘to be appointed as government digital adviser’

Tech City's chairman Joanna Shields is preparing to take up a new government advisory role, according to numerous reports.

Ms Shields is set to take a part-time position as the digital adviser to prime minister David Cameron, offering guidance to help the government improve broadband and mobile services in the UK, while bolstering IT education.

Neither the government nor Tech City have officially confirmed the appointment as yet, so it remains unclear whether the move would affect her current responsibilities.

Ms Shields has extensive industry experience thanks to her work with companies such as Facebook, Bebo and Google. She was appointed as chief executive of Tech City in 2012, but stepped down from the role earlier in 2014 to become chairman.

Her contributions in the sector earned her an OBE for services to digital industries and voluntary service to young people this year.

Tech City is dedicated to accelerating digital businesses across the UK through partnership programmes, lobbying, dissemination of information and launching innovative pilot schemes.