Stratos Filalithis (he/him)

Head of Web Strategy

Biography

Background

Stratos is leading the evolution and maturity of the University’s web governance and oversee the iteration and execution of its web strategy and programme of strategic web-estate activities, in line with other relevant University strategic plans. His is always keen to evolve innovative approaches and ideas to significantly expand the University’s offering, audience reach, and impact. Furthermore, to explore and lead strategy for the potential growth of the policy and governance of University’s web estate, including new services, AI enhancements, data reporting, working methodology and product innovation.

Stratos joined the University in 2013 and has worked in a number of roles supporting and managing the technical delivery of the corporate web CMS and associated digital services, including the University web search engine, before moving to the Head of Website & Communication section in 2016, leading the development and delivery of University core services, including the corporate University Website, ns its underlying Web Content Management System (EdWeb), the Student & Staff Portal (MyEd), and the User Experience, Website Development and Graphic Design services.

Before joining the University, he ran his own web development company in his native Greece, through which he rolled out a number of websites in the fields of e-commerce, crowdsourcing and tourism.

Having an interest in technology and digital strategy, Stratos spends a lot of effort being updated on the latest developments in areas related with digital leadership, web technologies, service management, project and business methodologies and techniques, and user behaviour and experience.

Qualifications

Stratos' expertise relies in digital leadership, service and change management. This is underpinned by the  ITIL Intermediate Certificate in Release, Control and Validation certificate. 

His years of web development experience are built upon his MSc in Distributed and Multimedia Information Systems, studied at Heriot-Watt University in 2003.

Responsibilities & affiliations

  • Lead and oversee the iteration, consultation, updating, community engagement and execution of the University of Edinburgh’s web strategy and programme of strategic activities. Where required, develop business cases for investment in activities.
  • Lead the strategy and implementation of operational agility, product innovation and improved working practices in the delivery of web, web sites, analytics, accessibility, security and safety for key university business sites
  • Lead and manage relationships with partner organisations in the private, public and third sectors.
  • Lead and oversee the web governance programme and work with internal stakeholders at all levels to plan, produce and publish relevant policies, standards, guidance and processes.

Groups memberships

  • Digital Infrastructure, Cyber and Web Portfolio Group - The primary purpose of the group is to seek and provide institutional assurance regarding the effectiveness of the strategy and systems governing core IT infrastructure, cyber security and the web estate. 
  • Web Governance Group - The group's remit is to ensure the efficacy of the University website, secure funding and resources and be accountable for key priorities.
  • ISG Learning, Teaching and Web Services Senior Management Team - The team consists of LTW senior managers and confirms alignment of strategy to fulfil common objectives.

Project activity

Stratos is involved in a range of projects relating to the University's corporate web services, having senior stakeholder roles. Main areas covered are the:

  • The corporate University Website and all content delivered under https://www.ed.ac.uk.
  • The corporate Web CMS, EdWeb, and the standalone web development tool, EdWeb Distribution.
  • The student and staff portal, MyEd.
  • The central University Web Search (https://search.ed.ac.uk).
  • University's digital design framework, EdGEL.

Recent projects list

Invited speaker

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