Serena Piccioni
Senior Software Engineer
Work Experience
BBC Studios
BBC Studios is a global media company borne of the BBC.
We make and distribute the world’s most sought-after content as well as creating and nurturing iconic brands.
The BBC’s mission is to inform, educate, and entertain everyone and our commercial mindset is driven by our public service values. Our commercial success means that the profits that we generate go back into the BBC to support our purpose in the UK, and we believe we can have a similar positive impact in the creative industries and in the wider world.
Senior Software Engineer
02/2025 – present
London, United Kingdom
The BBC Studios programme I am involved in was launched in 2022 to strengthen the BBC's presence abroad and consolidate news, video and audio into a single source for the international market.
The project is managed by ingesting BBC content from different sources into an infrastructure consisting of a backend, a CMS for curating content and a custom frontend and mobile app, both for iOS and Android.
The CMS is a headless WordPress multisite instance, and I am one of the senior engineers developing REST APIs and custom blocks for the programme's editors.
WordPress • PHP • MySQL • Git • React.js • AWS
dxw
Established in 2008, dxw is a diverse multidisciplinary team of digital design, technology and delivery specialists. They work in partnership with their clients to make life better for the people who use public services and the teams that run them. In 2021, the company became employee-owned. They committed themselves to work in the best interests of public service users and staff as part of their trust deeds.
Senior Developer
04/2020 - 01/2025
London, United Kingdom
I was part of the GovPress team, which is dxw’s website development, hosting, and support service for the public sector and charitable organisations using WordPress. They host high-profile websites like NHS England and the National Audit Office and look after other smaller websites. They looked after around 100 websites and had more than 60 clients. I have worked on almost all those projects for about five years.
As a senior developer, I also coached and mentored colleagues; I was directly responsible for managing some of them and interviewing new talents to fill open positions in the team.
WordPress • PHP • MySQL • Git • JavaScript • React.js • AWS • Coaching • Line Management
Helpful Digital
Helpful Digital works with government agencies, financial services, beauty, energy, aviation and emergency management organizations. They help clients to shape social media strategies and build digital communications skills through online or in-person training. Their Social Simulator team helps prepare organizations for a crisis, such as an oil spill, cyber attack or national emergency.
Senior Developer
12/2018 - 03/2020
London, United Kingdom
At Helpful Digital, I built and supported their WordPress websites and other digital products, developing custom themes and plugins. Some examples of work I’ve done at Helpful include websites for Community Business Weekend, Global Interagency Security Forum, Local Government Information Unit, Lambeth Together and What Scotland Thinks. In March 2020, they decided to reorganise their business, and dxw acquired our team and all the clients.
WordPress • PHP • MySQL • Git • JavaScript
Adele Fantoni
Contract
June 2019
I redesigned and developed (pro bono) of the WordPress template for this website, managing the installation, backup and set up of the services. It was based on Bootstrap 4 and Underscores.
Media Business Insight
Media Business Insight (MBI) is a leading authority in the UK media industry, offering news, insight, and events to TV, film and advertising professionals through various unique brands. MBI brands include ALF, BRAD, Broadcast, The Knowledge, KFTV, Production Intelligence, Screen International, and shots.
Senior Developer
05/2017 - 06/2018
London, United Kingdom
I started fixing up, auditing and maintaining some WordPress websites, then I brought in-house the website shots.net, frontend in Zend2 and backend in custom PHP, fixing bugs, refreshing the backend, and taking care of all the new features. I also created a new website to replace the DVD connected to the Shots magazine, reel.shots.net, using WordPress and the Vimeo API to manage their videos.
I also brought in-house two other PHP projects built in CodeIgniter and Laravel, kftv.com and theknowledgeonline.com, including handling the logistics of moving over the code and domains and implementing new fixes and additions. As the last project, I helped develop some features for Media Production Show website, built with Django and Python.
WordPress • PHP • Git • JavaScript • CSS • HTML • Python • Django • Zend2 • CodeIgniter • Laravel
Estée Lauder Companies
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is an American manufacturer and marketer of prestige skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The Company’s products are sold in over 150 countries and territories under the following brand names: AERIN, Aramis, Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Bumble and Bumble, By Kilian, Clinique, Darphin, Donna Karan New York, DKNY, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, Ermenegildo Zegna, Estée Lauder, GLAMGLOW, Jo Malone London, Kiton, La Mer, Lab Series, Le Labo, M•A•C, Michael Kors, Origins, Prescriptives, RODIN olio lusso, Smashbox, Tom Ford, Tommy Hilfiger and Tory Burch.
Online Engineer
06/2016 - 10/2016
London, United Kingdom
I worked on some UK brands’ websites, front and back end, helping to implement functionalities like a new search engine, a social media content manager for Bumble and Bumble, and a gift wrap option into the shopping cart for all the brands.
Perl • PHP • Git • Drupal • CSS • HTML
GovNet Communications
GovNet Communications is the leading Public Sector publisher and events organisation – passionate to ensure that spirited, open debate remains at the heart of our operation. Since 1997, they have delivered news and data through their targeted magazines and topical conferences, allowing for unrivalled access to reliable information and the opportunity to hear from leading experts and specialists within various fields.
Website Developer
03/2015 - 06/2016
London, United Kingdom
I worked on the new responsive version of the company’s main website on WordPress, from scratch, and took care of all the Expo and Events websites. I made the Understanding ModernGov website responsive without changing the look and feel, adding Bootstrap and optimising code and database. As for my last project, I migrated another division website, Inside Government, from a custom PHP application to WordPress, leaving the same design as the old one but responsive.
WordPress • PHP • MySQL • CSS • HTML
SUD Ristorante
Contract
January 2015
In 2012, I supported migration to new hosting, installed WordPress, developed a template in HTML and PHP, and selected some plugins.
In 2015, I updated the main template to make it compatible with a multi-language plugin.
Setonix
Setonix deals with digital media, in particular: designing and developing editorials websites, conceiving and implementing communication plans and digital promotion integrated with the offline, having a solid specialization in SEO editorial focused on bringing a high volume of traffic, managing social media marketing, which is also used for the distribution of the brand.
WordPress/PHP Web Developer
03/2014 - 12/2014
Milan, Italy
I worked on the new responsive template for the main website, www.unadonna.it, on WordPress, making many improvements (porting old plugins into the template, refactoring the code, and so on). I also created a plugin to manage MP4 and YouTube videos, and I converted the old functionality to manage galleries into a new one that uses the standard WordPress gallery shortcode. I made landing pages customisations for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Fashion Weeks, and so on, and a simple platform to manage online tests and quizzes.
WordPress • PHP • MySQL • Git • JavaScript • CSS • HTML
MMUL S.a.S.
Contract
December 2013
I designed an original template with Adobe Fireworks, then developed a WordPress theme in HTML and PHP for the corporate website and blog.
SCL Services & Consulting
SCL Services & Consulting is a consulting company with public administrations and private IT companies. With approximately 100 employees supporting their clients in projects that are highly complex and highly value-added.
Senior PHP Developer
11/2013 - 12/2013
London, United Kingdom
I worked on a project that was already online and had many unresolved issues. I put it under version control using GIT, created documentation, and developed a connection with the services of the Facebook API.
PHP • MySQL • CSS • HTML • GIT • Silex
Vivacom
Vivacom is a small Web Agency that provides e-commerce and institutional website solutions and, if requested, hosting solutions.
PHP Programmer
10/2012 - 10/2013
Milan, Italy
I worked on several projects using WordPress and Bootstrap. I developed the template from the graphic design into HTML and CSS and implemented all the functions needed, making one or more plugins or integrating them into the template. I finished the e-commerce site for Cargo Milano too, in Symfony2, with two other developers. I improved existing multiple sites in Symfony1 by developing the payment process for PayPal and bank transfers via Banca Sella or adding new dynamic areas.
WordPress · Symfony · PHP · MySQL · Git · JavaScript · Bootstrap · CSS · HTML
GoodPress
GoodPress was a startup founded in 2009 from a passion for WordPress and Open Source. It was created by people who, since 2004, have dealt with localization for all Automattic products and provided free support to WordPress by WordPress Italy.
WordPress Developer
09/2012 - 11/2012
Milan, Italy
I worked for them as a WordPress developer and designer on some projects.
WordPress • PHP • MySQL • Git • CSS • HTML
Editoriale Domus
Editoriale Domus is a medium publishing company that has historical magazines like Domus (design and architecture magazine) and Quattroruote (automotive magazine) and famous publications like Il Cucchiaio d’Argento (a prominent Italian cookbook). They also have some sites about these magazines and publications.
WordPress Developer
02/2012 - 06/2012
Milan, Italy
In 2007, I developed the site Appunti di gola on WordPress for my former project manager years before; for this project, I've integrated it with the Cucchiaio d’Argento site in Drupal. A web agency finished the project.
WordPress · PHP · MySQL · JavaScript · CSS · HTML
MyBestOption
MyBestOption is an online price comparison service between utilities e.g. gas, electricity, pay TV in Italy. They also have a Spanish headquarters.
Web Developer
04/2011 - 01/2012
Milan, Italy
I worked on redesigning and developing the company website in WordPress (Italian and Spanish versions), with a custom template and plugin integrated with the comparator’s Java engine. I also integrated some services directly into the Dashboard (e.g. deals tracking).
WordPress · PHP · MySQL · JavaScript · CSS · HTML
Appunti digòla
Contract
March 2011
I developed a template in HTML and PHP, supporting migration to new hosting. I also designed and managed the addresses of the restaurants using Google Maps, adding a search engine.
San Paolo Digital
San Paolo Digital is the digital agency of Gruppo Editoriale San Paolo. It cares about managing, developing, and updating all the Group's digital presences. It's a service company committed to helping all companies in the Group effectively manage their presence on new media.
Web Developer Senior
11/2010 - 02/2011
Milan, Italy
I worked on a project named “I Foglietti di Credere”, developing an original template in HTML and PHP. I also installed WordPress, selected and adjusted plugins, and created a geo search engine on Google Maps. I did the same for a magazine project called “La Gazzetta d’Alba.”
WordPress · PHP · MySQL · JavaScript · CSS · HTML
2Spaghi
2spaghi was a social network created by two founders (“two spaghi” is a slang form that indicates a plate of spaghetti) that allows members to insert, review and comment on restaurants and hotels and book them.
Web Developer
05/2010 - 10/2010
Milan, Italy
I helped maintain, bug-fix, and develop new features for the company website in PHP and managed related websites on WordPress.
WordPress · PHP · MySQL · JavaScript · CSS · HTML
Intranet Management
Contract
April 2009
I migrated all the data from Splinder, installed WordPress, and chose and configured some plugins.
I converted the site's previous version into HTML, supporting the transition from Windows to Linux hosting.
Novamag
Contract
November 2008
I installed WordPress, developed the template from the graphical version, and chose and configured some plugins.
I also converted the ASP pages of the previous version of the website to HTML.
Centro Studi Luca d’Agliano
Contract
June 2008
I migrated the main site from Mambo to WordPress and converted the main template into valid HTML.
Spirali Edizioni
Spirali Edizioni was a small publishing company that publishes books and magazines on various topics. They also organized cultural events.
PHP Programmer
03/2008 - 04/2010
Milan, Italy
I completely redesigned their e-commerce site in PHP3, developed connections with various online payment systems (PayPal, Banca Sella, Banco di Sardegna) and reviewed the information architecture. I also created some functions for their event site and simplified the shared backend on both sites to make it easier to enter information.
PHP · MySQL · JavaScript · CSS · HTML
Mozart
Mozart is a multimedia agency working in mobile, video, web and publishing.
Web Area Coordinator and Programmer
07/2007 - 03/2008
Milan, Italy
I developed the intranet for their company and related companies in PHP and a corporate website in ASP for one of their clients. I was also the development team coordinator, responsible for managing project timing and training and mentoring developers.
ASP 3.0 · Microsoft SQL Server · PHP · MySQL · CSS · HTML
Editoriale Domus
Editoriale Domus is a medium publishing company that has historical magazines like Domus (design and architecture magazine) and Quattroruote (automotive magazine) and famous publications like Il Cucchiaio d’Argento (a prominent Italian cookbook). They also have some sites about these magazines and publications.
Chief Technical Officer
07/2006 - 07/2007
Milan, Italy
I was the coordinator between the Italian team and the Swiss developers for the portal Car4you, which sold new and used cars, based on the database Infocar developed by Quattroruote. I also managed over 120 dealers to integrate their systems with the portal, creating an internal CRM. I also developed some web services for their developers in Switzerland to control the tax code and the connection with Banca Sella’s payment.
Microsoft SQL Server · Microsoft Access · ASP.NET · Team Leadership
Engineering
Engineering offers business integration, application and infrastructure outsourcing, solutions and strategic consultancy to many IT companies in Italy. Engineering has a consolidated presence in all vertical markets and operates through its four business units: Finance, Public Administration and Healthcare, Industry and Services, Telco and utilities.
Web Developer
10/2004 - 06/2006
Milan, Italy
I worked in ENI, designing the information architecture for the portal of internal communication, prototyping to complement existing websites in the portal business, reorganising the content and features, and proposing new graphical interfaces to conform to the portal by following the requirements of accessibility and HTML standards.
ASP 3.0 · Pearl · TeamSite · CSS · HTML
Worldstartel Communications
Worldstartel Communications was a company that dealt with repairs of mobile phones and computers, either directly for individuals or for some dealers who collected the phones to repair.
Web Developer
11/2003 - 04/2004
Milan, Italy
I participated in developing a mobile phone repair system using ASP and SQL Server. From admission to exit, the application traced every mobile phone’s state to repair and manage clients’ databases, suppliers, warehouses, and shipping.
ASP 3.0 · Microsoft SQL Server · VBScript · JavaScript · CSS · HTML
Ideone
Ideone was a small web agency connected with a multimedia production company.
Web Developer
01/2002 - 06/2002
Milan, Italy
I worked on the gay.tv website, which was an interactive satellite television. For example, I developed a voting system, the insertion and programming of the schedule, and a filtering system for sending text via SMS on the TV subtitles.
ASP 3.0 · Microsoft SQL Server · VBScript · JavaScript · CSS · HTML · Macromedia Flash
Gate/Ernst & Young
Gate was the Internet Learning Division of Ernst & Young. They planned and realized online training through educational courses that integrate and make the most of the skills, behaviours and potential of human resources in organizations operating in both public and private.
e-Learning Developer
10/2001 - 01/2002
Milan, Italy
I developed the division’s main website and managed courses in the IBM Lotus Learning Space 5 learning management system.
ASP 3.0 · Microsoft SQL Server · VBScript · JavaScript · CSS · HTML · IBM Lotus Learning Space
Temporary
Temporary is an employment agency specializing in research, selection, training and management of human resources.
Web Developer
06/2001 - 09/2001
Milan, Italy
I modified and developed new features for the corporate website, such as a 3-step form to insert a CV, and I developed working prototypes for other websites.
Macromedia Flash · Macromedia Fireworks · ASP 3.0 · Microsoft SQL Server · JavaScript · CSS · HTML
Altoprofilo
Altoprofilo was a web agency focused on various services: Business-to-business eStrategy formulation and implementation, Corporate eLearning, Dynamic Media and Digital Video and Research and Development.
Information Architect
09/2000 - 03/2001
Milan, Italy
I designed the information architecture of the e-learning project Pirelli Learning Lab with our team. We chose the Isopia ILMS technology platform, a Java learning management system later acquired by Sun Microsystems, and did a week of training on the platform.
Information Architecture · HTML · CSS · Isopia ILMS
Learning Technologies
Learning Technologies was a company that focused on e-learning services for private companies and public administration.
e-Learning Designer
05/2000 - 07/2000
Milan, Italy
I designed and developed several online courses and installed and managed the administration of IBM Lotus Learning Space, a learning management system.
ASP 3.0 · Microsoft SQL Server · CSS · HTML · IBM Lotus Learning Space
Seceti
Seceti was a company specializing in payment systems and interbank services. It was part of the Banking Group, which supports the growth and consolidation of Banks, Financial Institutions and Insurance, Business and Public Administration.
Web Master
03/2000 - 05/2000
Milan, Italy
I developed the interface of an Internet banking application using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, based on a COBOL program on an IBM OS/380.
JavaScript · CSS · HTML · Apache
TC Sistema
TC Sistema was a company that provided computer hardware and other hardware for enterprises. They also provided technical assistance and management outsourcing services.
Web Developer
11/1999 - 04/2000
Milan, Italy
I developed some of the features of an intranet document management designed for enterprises. I worked with a large group of developers using CVS connected to Visual Studio.
ASP 3.0 · Microsoft SQL Server · HTML · Concurrent Versions System (CVS)
Teleura
Teleura was founded in 1997 by Stefania Belloni and Valerio Saggini. In six years of activity, the company has mainly operated in the Internet sector, providing content management, web development, online advertising, and web design solutions to large, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Teleura has achieved international visibility with the conception and implementation of the telematics project of Colletta di Castelbianco, the first European internet e-village.
Web Master
06/1999 - 07/1999
Milan, Italy
I modified and developed new features for the website of Colletta di Castelbianco, a medieval hilltop village restored as an internet e-village. I changed and improved the VRML models of the flats. I also worked on the corporate website of one of their clients, reworking the structure and graphics.
ASP 3.0 · Microsoft SQL Server · HTML · Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML)
ARPANet
ARPANet is a reality projected in the field of research and technological innovation. Virtual or augmented reality, 3D reconstructions, multisensory environments, paper and electronic books, the web and social media, the use of contents from everything lead to a suggestive and exciting knowledge of the future, a better understanding of the present or even the rediscovery of the great cultural themes that form our roots.
Web Master
03/1999 - 12/1999
Milan, Italy
I worked on graphics and programming an antiquities' website. I developed the product database in Access, creating a reserved area for registered users and an area for the administrator to manage users.
ASP 3.0 · Microsoft Access · HTML · Adobe Photoshop
CIRED, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, founded in 1921 in Milan, is Europe’s most important Catholic university. With its four campuses in Milan, Brescia, Piacenza-Cremona and Rome, it is also the only university in Italy operating nationally. CIRED was the IT department of the Milan campus.
Contractor
09/1998 - 12/1998
Milan, Italy
I worked on the university website, modifying the HTML mainly for bug fixing. They provided me with an internal course in ASP 3.0 and Access, and I managed enrolments in computer science courses using Excel.
ASP 3.0 · HTML · Microsoft Access · Microsoft Excel
