Technology and digital strategy
Turning ambition into practical choices, priorities and a credible route forward.
Independent technology advisory
Practical technology judgement for senior teams
Independent advice for leaders making consequential choices about technology, AI and digital change.
Where I help
Make difficult technology decisions with clearer options and fewer surprises.
AI and executive dialogue
Separating valuable opportunity from noise, and helping senior teams frame the decisions, risks and organisational implications.
Architecture and platforms
Independent challenge across cloud, integration, digital platforms, technology operating models and major architectural choices.
Transformation, suppliers and propositions
Sense-checking programmes, suppliers, bids and propositions before momentum makes poor decisions harder to change.
How I work
Directly, independently and at senior level.
Engagements are deliberately focused. They might involve a decision review, executive workshop, AI forum, strategy challenge, supplier or programme review, bid or proposition assessment, or a small amount of ongoing advice.
I work with a limited number of clients and take on assignments where experienced, independent judgement can make a material difference.
Decision reviewExecutive workshopAI forumStrategy challengeSupplier reviewBid assessment
35+years in technology
About John Cairney
Experience from inside complex organisations, not simply advice from the outside.
John Cairney founded Cairney Advisory after retiring from full-time executive work.
Over more than 35 years in technology, John has worked across strategy, architecture, platforms, transformation and delivery. At Scottish Water, he led digital strategy, architecture and platforms, helping shape major decisions across cloud, integration, workplace technology, governance and AI.
He brings the perspective of someone who has been accountable for technology decisions inside a large, complex organisation, not simply advised from the outside.
John now undertakes a small number of selected advisory engagements, with particular depth in utilities, infrastructure and complex public-service environments.
Contact
Start a conversation
If you are considering a significant technology decision, want an independent view, or simply want to explore whether I could help, please get in touch.
hello@cairneyadvisory.com