Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Dr. Tom Gao is a senior digital and technology executive known for delivering practical, high impact transformation across complex organisations. As Chief Technology and Digital Services Officer at the City of Sydney, Tom leads enterprise platforms, cyber security, digital services, infrastructure, and innovation. His work focuses on simplifying how communities interact with government, while strengthening security, data, and operational foundations at scale. In 2025, Tom was recognised nationally as CIO of the Year by International Data Group, named CIO of Local Government of the Year by ITNews, and ranked among the Top 10 CIOs in Australia by CIO50. With over 20 years of experience, including more than a decade in senior leadership, Tom has delivered complex IT enabled transformation across both startup and enterprise environments. He is known for building high performing teams, aligning stakeholders at all levels, and turning strategy into measurable outcomes. Tom began programming in primary school and completed the Unisys / University of Sydney Computer Science Scholarship program at age 16. He later earned a Doctorate in IT, specialising in enterprise software security and security as a strategic capability. His research has been presented at the International Conference for Internet Technology and Secured Transactions and published in international journals. He is also an author on enterprise Service Oriented Architecture, and holds innovation patents in digital out of home advertising and Internet of Things technologies. Tom has worked with leading global brands including Sony, Volvo, Telstra, 3M, and major Australian sporting codes such as the AFL and NRL, delivering award winning digital and technology initiatives. He is recognised for combining deep technical expertise with commercial judgement, and for challenging hype in favour of outcomes that genuinely move organisations forward.
Responsible for leading Digital, Technology and Innovation.
UBT is a global enterprise operating in 19 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, and Central America. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, UBT is a diversified business consultancy that provides business-advisory and group-buying services, aimed at helping businesses gain a competitive edge. UBT’s business advisory services encompass corporate training, consulting, accounting, and group buying, all designed to foster leadership and business excellence in clients’ respective industries. As a Global Executive, responsible for the management, development, and profitability of the Managed IT Services, Software as a Service, Telecommunications, and Product Sales business units across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Argentina, and the Caribbean.
Established a startup within the UBT network, delivering essential digital services and education to 3,000 SME businesses. Our offerings include, but are not limited to: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) AdWords (SEM) Social Media Management Website Development Marketing Consulting
Developing and implementing cutting-edge digital solutions across UBT’s global enterprise, which spans 19 countries, with a strong emphasis on digital innovation.
As a member of the leadership team within IT, responsible for supporting all Microsoft enterprise platforms at CSR, including but not limited to MS SharePoint, Dynamics CRM, and MS BizTalk. Managing the development of custom enterprise-level applications from initial concept to production. Collaborating closely with marketing teams to develop, implement, and execute digital strategies for various business units. Initiated CSR’s Digital Transformation Program, overseeing its journey from ideation to execution, culminating in the delivery of a digitized corporate customer platform.
TargetMe: World's first patented outdoor social targeting digital out of home platform. Developed with South Korea's department of Innovation. Generating strong interests from Yahoo!, Mi9/Ninemsn, Google, Facebook, Valmorgan, oOH!, Telstra and the Australian VC community. Hypnos Rest: World's first IoT electric blanket controller so that you can turn your electric blanket on and off from anywhere.
Managing projects from initial concept to production, assisting clients with concept development, scoping, delivery, and implementation. Digital projects span mobile applications, websites/microsites, custom applications, CMS, online media, social media, online advertising, and CRM. Notable projects include the migration of the sony.com.au website to a new CMS/infrastructure and several high-profile digital campaigns, such as the Bond film “Quantum of Solace” for Sony. Developed social media portals for Whiskas (Mars) and Clearasil (Reckitt-Benckiser), smart data eCRM for NSW Lotteries, and a range of websites from intensely functional to highly creative. Work includes online advertising, custom applications/games, and integrations with IM, Facebook, YouTube, and Google Maps. Client portfolio includes, but is not limited to, Sony, IBM, Telstra, Pernod-Ricard (Jacob’s Creek), Mars Pet Foods (Whiskas), Schering-Plough (Claratyne), Novartis, Jaguar, Volvo, Integral Energy, Energex, Sydney Water, Ryobi, 3M, South Australian Tourism Commission, and Reckitt Benckiser.