Koala appoints Emma Pudney as CTO

Online furniture retailer, Koala has appointed Emma Pudney as its chief technology officer to oversee the company’s e-commerce platform, digital product management, internal IT, UX and engineering.

Pudney has made the jump to Koala following her role as regional CTO for Asia Pacific Japan at cloud computing company, Rackspace, where she built out professional services and public cloud practices across the region.

In this role, the regional public cloud, professional services, and product strategies were her domain. Her leadership skills also shone through, where she led the Architecture, Cloud Engineering and Professional Services teams for APJ.

Mitch Taylor, CEO of Koala said, "As Koala's consumer base around the world continues to grow, our online offering along with our digital products must continue to simultaneously develop and thrive.

"Pudney's plethora of skills across cloud management, web systems and extensive leadership experience makes her an exciting addition to our team. We value her advocacy for women in technology and admire the wealth of knowledge she brings to the company with over 20 years experience.”

Pudney said her hope for the tech industry is to see a more diverse workforce in the future, advocating for young women to enter into studying and beginning a career in technology.

She strives to continue to develop company processes to support diversity through the advertisement of positions, hiring and creating of inclusive cultures across the board.

“Koala is a fast-growing business and I look forward to expanding our online offerings and accelerating innovation in the business with technology,” said Pudney.

"I perform at my best when my work is linked to a positive impact on society and the planet, so I am thrilled to be joining the Koala team which places sustainability at the core of all business practices.”

Koala’s team continues to move from strength to strength, with Emma one of several new talents to make the move to Koala.