"SMEs such as Penrillian have a huge role to play in the Northern Powerhouse and unlocking talent across the North."
Joanne Thompson
First established in 2009, the report supports the recommendations of the Government-backed Davies Review to draw on female talent from a wide range of backgrounds. The list includes women who hold senior executive roles in FTSE 350 firms and other significant organisations such as large non-listed companies, major charities, professional services firms, educational institutions and NHS Trusts.
Joanne joined Penrillian (based in Penrith, Cumbria) in 2015, bringing with her a track record of leading business transformation and significant growth with a number of technology companies. Since her appointment, she has been moving Penrillian from its previous commercial model, to a new model delivering white label products in the Software as a Service (SaaS) market. This move to the rapidly growing SaaS market has created significantly more room for growth and innovation.
She was also recently shortlisted for the Institute of Director’s small company category of the Director of the Year awards.
Joanne said,
"My focus has been on creating and retaining high quality jobs in the North, both for Penrillian but also for its supply chain. As a female CEO in a male-dominated sector I am all too aware of the inequalities faced by women pursuing careers in board level roles. As an active member of several groups and networks I’m keen on influencing culture and policy to break down those barriers.”
Penrillian is one of the world’s longest-established mobile technology companies. Millions of people use Penrillian’s technology every day, from ticket apps to contactless payment solutions and wireless dongles developed for major clients including Mastercard, EE, TUI and Vodafone.
As a CEO in the technology sector, Joanne is passionate about supporting
other females in the industry as an active member of both the Women in Transport group and Women on Boards. She is also leading Penrillian on continuing its legacy of supporting both the local community and wider society, most recently campaigning to raise awareness and funds to fight the cause of homelessness, including Joanne sleeping rough for a night.
