With Vicky Larmour, SVP Engineering at Plextek

What does it actually take to move from the software engineering coal face to leading a team of people delivering complex multi-disciplinary technology projects? In this talk, Vicky Larmour draws on 30 years in engineering, from hands-on software development to her role as Senior Vice President of Engineering at Plextek, to give a candid account of that transition. She looks at the mindset shifts involved, the mistakes she made along the way, and what she’s learned about building teams that are both diverse and genuinely high-performing.

Vicky explores the tangible benefits diversity brings to innovation and problem-solving, reflecting on a moment where looking at a problem in a different way allowed the team to break through an impasse; alongside actionable strategies – which can be as simple as making a genuine effort to demonstrate allyship to minority groups – for fostering inclusive team cultures where individuals can thrive. She also discusses approaches to inclusive hiring, covering everything from reducing bias in recruitment processes to creating environments that attract and retain a broader range of talent.

This session offers valuable insights for engineers considering leadership paths, as well as for current managers aiming to build stronger, more inclusive teams. Expect honest reflection, practical takeaways, and a few things Vicky wishes someone had told her 20 years ago!

Biography

Vicky Larmour is Senior Vice President of Engineering at Plextek, leading a multidisciplinary team of RF, radar, AI/ML, electronics and software engineers.

With 30 years in technology consultancy in the Cambridge cluster, she’s led teams of 250+ across three continents, delivering projects to unlock value for clients ranging from banks to medical device startups to global satellite operators; developed software for consumer goods, medical devices, and LEO satellite systems; and held technical leadership roles spanning embedded systems, RF design, and short- and long-range wireless communications.

A Cambridge Computer Science graduate who initially entered the field through a STEM programme for girls, Vicky remains committed to STEM outreach, creating pathways for the next generation – particularly young women – into engineering and technology. She mentors women across the industry and is focused on building a team culture at Plextek where people from different backgrounds feel welcomed and supported.