With more than 20 years’ experience in data, Sandra Stanley has taken the role of chief data science officer and used her position to create an inclusive, welcoming and ambitious data team with a strong culture and plenty of ambition. Currently, Sandra leads more than 400 data scientists across five continents and oversees the wider data science strategy for dunnhumby. Her influence touches more than 700 million shoppers annually and has created a work culture that has halved its attrition rate and improved every engagement score.
“Great example across the range of data leadership qualities.” – Judges’ comment
Her skills have inspired and motivated the team and eventually led to the team continuing to grow, which is testament to her abilities with communication, engagement and collaboration. Sandra’s team consistently states that they feel heard, valued and understood, even on a global scale. Furthermore, Sandra’s push for diversity, equality and inclusion has seen the number of female leaders rise from 21% to more than 40%.
Comments from her colleagues are consistently filled with praise, with one colleague stating: “What makes Sandra stand out from few other managers and leaders I have had in data science and analytics is her focus on people and how she empowers and develops individuals. The level of attention and care Sandra puts into individual relations is exceptional and frankly unlike any other I have seen in dunnhumby or elsewhere. Sandra is always there to help and provide advice when needed and is genuinely interested in wellbeing and challenges one has in their role and beyond.”
Under Sandra’s leadership, there are now quarterly science spotlights to highlight and celebrate the work being done at dunnhumby, a new explanation hub to ensure that all scientific product and services can be understood at an introductory and technical level and there is a much wider appreciation of sharing knowledge with the wider community through different sponsorships, festivals, blogs and social media content.
Sandra’s vision and deep expertise in analytics have enabled the development and deployment of data science-backed solutions to over 70 grocery retailers and thousands of CPG companies across the globe. Her data-driven approach has enabled dunnhumby’s clients to deliver highly relevant and engaging experiences to their customers, driving increased loyalty and customer satisfaction.
