Dr. Rannia Leontaridi OBE has forged an illustrious career marked by a rich tapestry of roles and contributions across various government and organizational domains. Presently, she holds the distinguished position of Director General – Aviation, Maritime, and Security at the Department for Transport (DfT) in the United Kingdom. In this pivotal role, Dr. Leontaridi takes the helm of strategic initiatives encompassing aviation, maritime, and security, where her leadership and insights are instrumental in shaping and executing policies and strategies that have a profound impact on the transportation and security sectors.
CAREER
One of her prominent roles finds her at the heart of innovation and government collaboration. Dr. Leontaridi is a co-founder and Director, as well as an HMG Shareholder, at Crown Hosting Data Centres Ltd, a groundbreaking partnership between the Cabinet Office and Ark Data Centres Limited. This venture has redefined the procurement of data center facilities for the public sector. By enhancing IT services and expediting government projects, while concurrently mitigating operational risks and costs, Crown Hosting Data Centres plays a pivotal role in modernizing public services and boosting efficiency.
During her tenure at EUROCONTROL, Dr. Leontaridi held the position of Vice President, further demonstrating her ability to navigate the complexities of international air traffic management and coordination. Her vast experience extends to the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), where she contributed significantly in multiple capacities. As the Director of the Office for Artificial Intelligence, she played a key role in advancing the United Kingdom’s artificial intelligence initiatives and fostering enterprise policy.
Her tenure at BEIS also saw her as the Director of Business Growth, a position where she facilitated the growth and development of enterprises, ensuring that businesses of all kinds thrived and scaled. Within the Cabinet Office, Dr. Leontaridi assumed critical roles, including Director of Public Service Transformation and Major Events. In these capacities, she oversaw transformative initiatives and the management of major events.
Her dedication to shaping government policies and strategies was evident during her time at the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) as the Head of Strategy. Her pivotal work included the development of the Green Investment Bank and the oversight of departmental strategies. She continued to make a meaningful impact at Universities UK, where she served as Director of Policy Development, influencing policy development and strategic engagement with key stakeholders.
Her journey in government leadership commenced at the Cabinet Office as Deputy Director in the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit. Her expertise was particularly instrumental in health policy development and strategic planning.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Rannia Leontaridi OBE has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to driving positive change. Her diverse roles have not only enriched her experience but have also contributed significantly to her well-deserved OBE recognition. Her multifaceted contributions continue to influence and elevate various sectors, from government to technology and public services.
