Tim Parle joined the Western Cape Provincial Government in the role of Chief Director: Digital Economy in March 2019. This unit is responsible for programmes centred on the uptake and usage of broadband, public WiFi, digital skills and anything else to do with the enhancement of the local digital economy. Prior to joining the public sector, Tim was the MD of an Internet service provider; a senior consultant with BMI-Techknowledge (BMI-T); and held various roles with a multinational telecoms equipment vendor. He gained extensive knowledge working in the telecommunications sector in South Africa, southern Africa and Western Europe since the early 1990s. During his tenure at BMI-T, Parle was responsible for the formulation of the business cases for several of the major digital projects undertaken by the Western Cape Government. In his current role, he is developing the technology and innovation strategy for the Western Cape for the next 11 years in realisation of the province’s Growth for Jobs strategy. He is also responsible for pioneering energy projects in the Department of Infrastructure and driving an AI agenda in the Department. Tim holds a BSc in electronic engineering, an MDP in project management and an MBA from a leading UK university.