Mr Gareth Harris CGeog (GIS)

Biography

Gareth Harris is Head of GIS at Helyx Secure Information Systems Ltd, with over 15 years’ of experience in the geospatial industry. He provides strategic and technical leadership for geospatial capability across the organisation, ensuring the effective integration of GIS into complex, secure, and operationally demanding environments. His work focuses on translating emerging geospatial technologies into robust, scalable solutions that deliver clear value to both customers and the business. Gareth began his career in the military, where he delivered geospatial support to large- and small-scale exercises and operational deployments. During this time, he also served as a lecturer at the Royal School of Military Survey, developing and delivering GIS training for military personnel and cultivating a strong foundation in education, mentoring, and knowledge transfer. Throughout his career, Gareth has worked with multinational organisations and government agencies, contributing to geospatial initiatives at both strategic and operational levels. In 2020, he was awarded an MSc in Geographic Information Systems with Distinction from the University of Leeds, completing the programme via distance learning while maintaining full-time professional responsibilities. In his current role, Gareth leads technical input into bids and proposals, oversees GIS solution design and delivery, and drives the development of organisational GIS strategy. He remains actively engaged in cross-industry collaboration, teaching, and professional development, with a strong commitment to mentoring students and early-career geospatial professionals, and to advancing the effective and responsible use of GIS across sectors.