Al Ramadan
Al Ramadan
- Specialisation: Computer Science and Advanced Mathematics
Named by Time Magazine as one of the most influential people in the digital economy, Monash Science alumnus and co-founder and partner of technology advisory firm Play Bigger Al Ramadan loves being at the forefront of computer technology.
Said Al, “I started my degree in geology and biology but in my second year I found a passion for computer science and fell in love with the problem-solving aspect of that and the architecture of building something. Once the hook was in, that was the start of my path.”
"The reality is that the great developments in society come through this thing called science and we live in an era where things are happening so much faster and new things become possible in days that used to take years and decades"
More than 35 years have passed since Al had his first introduction to computing by working on a Burroughs 6700 mainframe computer that was “the size of a house”. And it’s three decades since he completed his science degree, with majors in computer science and applied mathematics, while working part time as a computer “systems officer” at the university. The Monash experience – across the work and the study –gave him the tools to move into the work force, he says.
Al’s impressive resume includes senior leadership positions at Adobe and founder of groundbreaking immersive online sports-viewing media company Quokka Sports – the forerunner of sports viewing streaming platforms today. Having retired at 50, Al is now a co-owner in the marketing advisory firm Play Bigger, helping technology companies in their portfolio companies to become “market leading” players or “category kings” in their particular market areas - a culmination of many different parts of a career that’s full and exciting.