About

Oliver (Ollie) Cronk — enterprise architect and software engineer, founder of Cronk Advisory, co-host of Architect Tomorrow.

Who is Ollie

I'm Oliver Cronk; although my friends often call me Ollie or Cronky! I'm a chief/enterprise architect with a background in software engineering, technology strategy, sustainable computing and applied AI (of various types not just LLMs). I founded Cronk Advisory to bring independent chief architecture thinking to organisations navigating complex technology challenges.

I also created and co-host the Architect Tomorrow podcast, connecting architects and technologists who want to shape a better future through their work. I believe architects have a responsibility to think about the long-term consequences of the systems they design: for organisations, for society and for the planet.

I'm based in Berkshire, UK. Outside work you'll probably find me on a bike, behind a camera, walking somewhere interesting! Although if it's raining possibly building Lego or being a general geek!

Work

I work with organisations on enterprise architecture strategy, technology operating models, AI adoption and sustainable technology. Through Cronk Advisory I offer independent advisory, fractional chief architecture and thought leadership.

Before founding Cronk Advisory I spent several years as the Technology Director at Scott Logic, where I led architecture thinking across R&D and delivery programmes, co-authored the Technology Carbon Standard and co-hosted the Beyond the Hype podcast.

Before this I was the Chief Architect at Tanium a cybersecurity and IT operations automation platform. Before that Chief Architect at Deloitte UK Risk Advisory.

Earlier in my career I worked as a software engineer and technical lead on technology projects for government and the public sector, including energy, environment and planning programmes at AEA Technology (which became Ricardo and is now part of WSP).

Community

I'm a founding member and regular contributor to the Chief Architect Network, part of the BCS Enterprise Architecture Specialist Group and a Green Software Foundation Champion.

I speak and write regularly on enterprise architecture, AI strategy and sustainable technology. See my speaking page for upcoming events and past talks, and writing for articles and blog posts.

Life beyond work

I've completed Land's End to John o' Groats by bike twice (2014 and 2018), ridden the inaugural RideLondon-Surrey 100 (and then did it several more times), cycled Oxford to Edinburgh in three days and ridden several other charity challenges. Fundraising has supported the British Heart Foundation, the Royal Marsden, Launchpad Reading and various other charities.

I've been writing online and doing public speaking since 2007; the archive is still here if you want to read about Ubuntu 7.04, mountain biking in Wales or my random thoughts on emerging tech at the time! Note that older posts are a little broken in places.