About Me

I’m Anders — a fractional and interim CTO, based in Scotland, helping organisations strengthen, modernise and stabilise their technology.

Anders Archibald

Who I Am

I’m a senior technology leader with 25 years’ experience working at board, executive and operational levels to shape technology strategy, modernise systems, build capability and recover struggling teams, platforms and programmes. I’ve led technology functions in sectors including media, finance, energy, industrial operations and food manufacturing. I’m known for bringing pragmatic, clear and steady direction where technology has become complex, noisy or uncertain.

Organisations typically engage me when they need senior technical leadership, improved resilience or support through periods of change.

My Background

I’ve held leadership roles across engineering, architecture, consultancy and executive technology management, including serving as Chief Technology Officer at DC Thomson (a privately owned Scottish media company). In these positions I’ve been accountable for technology strategy, engineering capability, architecture governance, IT operations, cyber resilience, vendor partnerships and large-scale organisational transformation.

Earlier in my career, I designed and built software products and complex internal systems — experience that still shapes how I lead today. It means I understand the realities of delivery, the behaviour of systems in production and the pressures teams experience. That technical depth strengthens my strategic leadership, but no longer defines it.

Through Northern Fraction, I provide this blend of executive direction, technical understanding and practical delivery experience to organisations who need CTO-level support without the commitment of a full-time hire.

How I Help Leaders and Organisations

I work with CEOs, business owners, boards and leadership teams who are facing challenges such as:

Lack of senior technology leadership or direction


I provide strategic guidance that aligns technology with business goals and improves confidence in decision-making.

Systems, platforms or products that are fragile or holding the organisation back


I bring architectural oversight, simplification and a pragmatic path to modernisation.

IT operations that need to become more resilient or aligned to the business


I improve service quality, uplift capability and strengthen governance and risk management.

Teams, programmes or delivery functions that have stalled


I stabilise, reset and rebuild performance through focused leadership and improvements to structure, culture and practice.

Uncertainty around AI, automation and emerging technology


I provide grounded, evidence-based advice that reduces risk and supports practical adoption.

Experience & Qualifications

A selection of the experience and qualifications I bring to my work:

  • Former Chief Technology Officer, DC Thomson

  • 25 years in technology leadership, software engineering, architecture and product development

  • Designed and delivered complex software products, platforms and internal systems across multiple industries

  • Led modernisation of engineering practices, architecture standards and development teams

  • Experience across media, finance, energy, industrial operations and food manufacturing

  • Led recovery from cyber incidents and major operational disruption

  • Built and developed high-performing engineering and architecture teams

  • Delivered IT and digital transformation programmes across large organisations

  • Trusted partner to boards, leadership teams and operational groups

  • Oxford Executive Education: Artificial Intelligence Programme

  • Masters in Software Engineering (Distinction)