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# BIMA 100 Tech & AI Pioneer
- URL: https://rafeblandford.com/bima-100-tech-ai-pioneer/
- Published: 2026-05-22T12:42:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-06T21:01:27.000Z
- Description: Named in the BIMA 100 2026, AI & Tech Pioneers category — recognition for cross-discipline product and transformation work at Digitas UK.
- Author: Rafe Blandford
- Tags: Product & Tech, #human

I was proud to have recently been named in the [BIMA 100 2026](https://bima.co.uk/announcing-the-bima-100-class-of-2026/?ref=rafeblandford.com), in the AI & Tech Pioneers category. Thanks to the team at [BIMA (British Interactive Media Association)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/british-interactive-media-association/?ref=rafeblandford.com) and the supporting judges.  
  
The work I was recognised for here was done leading a brilliant cross-discipline team at Digitas UK delivering complex and pioneering products and digital transformation for brands like Formula 1, EE, Honda and Biffa, plus working on change and AI capability that has real outcomes. The people around me made me better, and I tried to do the same for them, so a huge thanks to all of them too. For me high standards, high humanity = great outcomes.  
  
I was privileged to be in great company in the Class of 2026, with names like [Matt Roberts](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattrobertsdesign/?ref=rafeblandford.com), [Rebecca Crook](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-crook-046038b/?ref=rafeblandford.com), and many more. It was also great getting to see the next generation recognised too - the future is in good hands with people like [Niyati Gupta](https://www.linkedin.com/in/niyatig2005/?ref=rafeblandford.com) and [Roberto Scialpi](https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberto-scialpi/?ref=rafeblandford.com).   
  
At the evening reception for winners and invited guests, [Mary Keane-Dawson](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marykeanedawson/?ref=rafeblandford.com), in opening remarks, powerfully reminded us that Britain's digital industry is at its strongest when diversity and inclusion are embedded, not bolted on. This is close to my heart and the work here continues and I think fairness, in many forms, is an inherent part of both high standards and high humanity.   
  
The BIMA 100 is at its best when it surfaces people doing work you hadn't heard of yet. Go [look at the full list](https://bima.co.uk/announcing-the-bima-100-class-of-2026/?ref=rafeblandford.com) \- impressive people and pioneering work.

![](https://rafeblandford.com/content/images/2026/06/1779454726931.jpeg)

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This post originally appeared on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7463574088910008320/?ref=rafeblandford.com).