NOMINATION HIGHLIGHTS

Jonathan Costa is the Head of IT for Richmond Atlantic, a licensed gambling business operating across multiple locations. He led a strategic transformation of the company’s IT operations by moving from an externally managed model to full in-house control. This resulted in a scalable, secure, and audit-ready infrastructure that supports current operations and future growth.

Jonathan introduced a modern operating model that emphasised visibility, efficiency, and long-term resilience. Business-critical requests that previously involved external coordination are now completed internally in a matter of minutes. This was achieved through the implementation of automated workflows, streamlined device management, and real-time reporting systems.

He personally designed and enforced a security-focused framework tailored to Richmond Atlantic’s regulatory environment. This included access controls, governance protocols, and secure remote working practices. These improvements directly enhanced the company’s readiness for audits and strengthened its compliance position.

Under his leadership, Richmond Atlantic evolved from reactive IT support to a proactive, business-aligned technology function. Departments now operate with improved autonomy, clear policies, and faster access to essential systems, all built and maintained under his guidance.

In addition to his operational responsibilities, Jonathan dedicates personal time to mentoring IT graduates and early-career professionals. Through volunteer coaching and career guidance, he helps individuals develop clarity, confidence, and direction in the competitive IT landscape.

Jonathan’s nomination stands out for the scale and independence of his impact. With no internal IT team beneath him, he rebuilt every critical system from the ground up. His leadership has strengthened Richmond Atlantic’s digital maturity and positioned the company for long-term success in a highly regulated sector.