Elona Mortimer-Zhika

Most recently, she was the CEO of IRIS Software Group for over five years, following three years as CFO and COO. IRIS is one of the largest privately held global software businesses valued at $5bn.

During Elona’s tenure, IRIS tripled in size, transitioned to a cloud first platform business, expanded globally to the US, acquired over 30 business and had two successful PE exits, for £1.3bn in 2018 and $4bn in 2023. IRIS is recognised as a Great Place to work in UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Rumania and India as well as Best Workplace for Women, in Tech and for Wellness, with 49 % of its employees as women. IRIS was named Tech Business of the Year 2022 and Elona was named Tech CEO of the Year 2023 at UK Tech Awards.

Elona is passionate about education, tech and diversity. Born in communist Albania, Elona won a scholarship at the age of sixteen to attend an international college in Wales alongside students from over 100 different countries.

This life changing experience has driven her to focus on making a high social impact and providing opportunities to those from under- privileged and under-represented backgrounds. Elona is a Trustee of the Hg foundation, helping under-represented groups to access high quality jobs in tech through education and employment programmes across the Europe and US.

Elona is also a Non- Executive Director on Aareon, Europe’s market leader is SaaS property management systems. Her prior experience includes several senior leadership roles in PE- backed businesses, Big 4 and as well as NED roles. She graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Accounting and Economics and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. Awards include CEO of the Year at UK Tech Awards 2023; Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting in the US 2022; Top 50 Women in Accounting 2021 and Business Woman of the Year at UK Tech Awards 2020.

Learn more about Elona: Leaders Lives