Influential Mainframer – Darren Surch

Darren Surch is one of just two people in the world – the world–to be named a Lifetime IBM Champion for IBM Z. This rare honor recognizes sustained excellence in thought leadership and community impact.

Darren Surch

CEO, Interskill Learning

Georgia, USA

Connect with Darren on:

• LinkedIn

View the entire 2025 Influential Mainframers group here.

As CEO of Interskill Learning, Darren leads the largest provider of mainframe e-learning worldwide, delivering over 1 million hours of training annually and enabling over 80% of IBM’s digital badge credentials for mainframe skills.

“Interskill’s reach is staggering,” noted one nominator. “But it’s Darren’s tireless work beyond the platform that makes him a true influencer. He shows up, speaks up, and helps the community grow.”

Surch’s focus is long-term and strategic. Through his role with the Mainframe Skills Council, he’s helping define the next generation of mainframe competencies. As an Open Mainframe Project Ambassador, he advocates globally for workforce development and digital inclusion in Z computing. He’s also a frequent guest on podcasts, including Planet Mainframe, IBM TechXchange, and Skyward Data, where he shares insights on closing the skills gap and adapting training for an AI-powered future.

In 2024 alone, Darren spoke at more than 30 in-person and virtual events, including SHARE, GSE UK, Broadcom MTE, and IBM Z Day. He’s especially vocal about rethinking how the industry certifies talent. “Digital credentials let people prove their skills quickly and clearly,” he said in a recent TechXchange appearance. “That’s essential when the pace of change is this fast.”

But it’s more than badges; Darren advocates for practical, inclusive, and scalable learning experiences. He champions gamified, scenario-based training models to make learning more effective and engaging for everyone, from new hires to seasoned engineers.

As one nominator put it: “Darren never stops pushing the envelope. He’s not just thinking about where the workforce is now—he’s working on where it needs to be five years from now.”