Meet Christine Bellamy, our Top Flight 2024 alumna.
Christine’s career began in media, including spending over a decade at the BBC, where she lastly served as Head of Product for BBC News and Sport. In that role, she led the product development and delivery of the BBC News, Sport, and Weather apps and websites, while managing, developing, and supporting a cross-disciplinary team of 240 individuals across four locations.
In 2022, Christine moved into the civil service, joining the Government Digital Service as a Director, and since June 2024 she has served as its Chief Executive Officer. Her expertise spans digital transformation, strategic thinking, financial planning, and thought leadership. In her role at GDS, she set the vision and product strategy for GOV.UK, leading cross-functional teams to ensure government information and services are simple, joined-up, and centred around user needs.
Christine's experience on Top Flight
Strengthened my strategic leadership capabilities
Participating in the Top Flight Leadership Programme was a pivotal experience in my career. Coming from a background in digital transformation and product leadership, I joined the programme to strengthen my strategic leadership skills and broaden my perspective on influencing change at scale.
A practical, insight driven learning experience
The programme stood out for its practical approach and the quality of peer learning. Sessions on navigating complexity and building inclusive leadership were particularly impactful, offering tools and insights I’ve applied directly in my role.
Growing my confidence and evolving my personal leadership style
Since the programme, I’ve grown in confidence when shaping cross-government priorities, and the network I built continues to provide support and challenge. It’s also influenced my personal leadership style, helping me balance ambition with authenticity.
Building resilience in times of change
One of the most valuable aspects was learning how to build resilience, both personally and professionally. The programme encouraged us to embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and provided strategies for maintaining focus and energy during periods of intense change. This has been critical in sustaining momentum and leading with clarity under pressure.
Why Christine recommends Top Flight
Gain leadership knowlege and a network that supports and challenges
I would wholeheartedly recommend Top Flight to anyone aspiring to senior leadership. It equips you not only with knowledge but with a community that champions progress.
Participating in the Top Flight Leadership Programme was a pivotal experience in my career.
Christine Bellamy’s career spans leadership roles at the BBC and now as CEO of the Government Digital Service, bringing deep expertise in digital transformation and strategic delivery; as a Top Flight 2024 alumna, she reflects the strength, resilience, and ambition that define exceptional public-sector leadership.
