Rich Johnson, CTO

Rich Johnson brings over 20 years of technology and business leadership experience, helping growing companies make confident decisions about platforms, AI, automation, and digital infrastructure. He works as a Fractional CTO and Technology Advisor, providing strategic guidance to businesses that need senior technical expertise without a full-time hire.

His approach combines hands-on technical capability with strategic thinking and commercial acumen. Whether evaluating vendor proposals, building automation prototypes, advising boards on digital risk, or managing sales pipelines, Rich translates complex technology decisions into clear business outcomes.

Who we work with

Trusted By Leading Organisations

Rich has worked with diverse organisations including Boots, Victorinox, Oxford University, Mark Warner Holidays, Boden, The Electoral Commission, Shelter, Informa, Royal College of Nursing, and Aperio Intelligence.

From global brands to professional services firms and healthcare providers, his clients value practical advice that drives measurable results.

Track Record

Rich has consistently delivered tangible business outcomes:

  • 20-40% reduction in operational costs through smart automation
  • 25-60% increase in website conversions
  • 15-30% revenue growth within first year of engagement
  • 10-20 hours saved per week through process optimisation

Areas of Expertise

  • Fractional CTO & Technology Leadership: Strategic technology guidance for growing companies (£2-20M revenue) making critical platform and infrastructure decisions.
  • Platform Selection & Vendor Evaluation: CRM systems, automation tools, email infrastructure, CMS platforms, and infrastructure assessment based on real business needs, not vendor promises.
  • AI & Automation Strategy: Identifying genuine opportunities, building prototypes, and implementing practical solutions that deliver ROI. Deep knowledge of ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Mistral, and automation workflows using tools like n8n.
  • Digital Infrastructure & Security: Email infrastructure strategy, API development, server hosting, containerisation (Docker), Linux systems, and security frameworks for global client bases.
  • Technology Risk & Governance: Information governance, compliance processes, security policies, operational risk management.
  • Website & System Auditing: Technical audits covering performance, functionality, security, and effectiveness.
  • UX, Design & Creative Direction: Visual design, branding, and user experience strategy informed by a professional background in design and photography.
  • Technical Development & Troubleshooting: Hands-on capability in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and problem-solving across web technologies.
  • Sales & Business Development: Managing new business pipeline from first contact through to client onboarding and renewals.
  • Team & Agency Management: Managing outsourced development teams and agencies to deliver web and app projects.
  • Data Strategy & Analytics: Building data pipelines and implementing analytics for better decision-making.
  • Training & Enablement: Delivered 1-2-1 and classroom training sessions to companies and universities across the UK.

Background

Before focusing on technology advisory work, Rich spent over 15 years in operational technology roles.

He managed infrastructure and support teams at Squiz (a global web transformation company), led digital strategy as Head of Digital at Masterpiece, and served as a Director at GPMD. His early career included roles in media management and professional photography.

This diverse background means Rich is technical enough to inspect code and server configurations, strategic enough to advise boards, and commercial enough to understand what drives business value and growth.

How Rich Works

Rich typically engages with clients on a retainer basis, providing 2-4 days per month of strategic technology leadership. This model gives growing businesses access to CTO-level expertise at the moments that matter most.

Whether you need interim CTO coverage during transitions, strategic advice on a specific technology decision, or ongoing fractional leadership, Rich provides the clarity and confidence to move forward.

We're here to listen first, then act fast

We guide organisations through practical transformation, from identifying opportunities to implementing solutions that deliver measurable results.

Client Feedback

Prof. Sheryl Homa

"Working with Rich has transformed how we handle our digital security and data management. He brings enterprise-level technical knowledge but explains everything in terms that make sense for our clinical team. Rich is the trusted advisor every healthcare practice needs in today's digital landscape."

Mr David Floyd

"We have worked with Spinach since 2012. They have been there as technical advisors and helped us evolve our patient journeys through several projects."

Dr Cosmo Hallstrom

"Rich took the time to understand our needs and found solutions that helpfully improved how we connected with patients and legal clients. His professional approach and reliable support made him a good technology partner."

Experience that matters

At Spinach, we've had the privilege of working with organisations across diverse sectors. Each industry brings unique challenges and opportunities. We help bridge the gap between ambition and execution.

If you're ready to work smarter, grow sustainably, and embrace practical innovation, we'd like to work with you. Because better business practices should always mean better outcomes for everyone involved.

Simple, Flexible Engagement

1. Discovery Call (20 Minutes)

We discuss your specific technology challenges, business stage, and whether fractional CTO support is the right fit.

2. Proposal & Scope (24 Hours)

I send a clear proposal outlining how we'd work together, what you would get, and the monthly investment.

3. Get Started (Week 1)

We begin with a technology audit or immediate priorities. You get strategic guidance when you need it, without the commitment of a full-time hire.