Russ Shaw CBE

Russ Shaw CBE is a near-textbook Convener, a leader whose primary instrument is the network itself. He built Tech London Advocates from a small volunteer collective into a grassroots coalition of thousands of technology leaders, then scaled the model internationally through Global Tech Advocates, spanning multiple regional groups. His influence rests not on capital or corporate hierarchy but on gathering people, brokering introductions and giving the private sector a collective voice on issues such as skills, visas and investment in UK tech. Shaw operates through working groups, events and campaigns rather than command structures, mobilising volunteers around shared causes. Recognised with a CBE for services to technology and business, his leadership shows how convening power, applied consistently over a decade, can shape policy conversations and build a durable ecosystem identity for London tech.