Nick Sawyer, chief data officer, Dr. Martens

Describe your career to date

I started work at EY where I was fortunate to work on major transformational projects with some amazing clients. In turn this gave me the opportunity to travel and experience new cultures and ways working in countries across the globe. I enjoyed the variety and constant challenge of consulting, but I wanted the opportunity to own decisions and live the end-to-end impact. 

I moved to Sainsbury’s to get those opportunities, and while there I was pleased to deliver initiatives where we used data to drive real change - from range and price to company acquisitions - and how we worked with and supported our farmers. For me, people and culture are so important, and I am most proud of the team I grew and the huge maturity growth in Sainsbury’s, both analytically and culturally, during the six years I was there.

I was tempted back into consulting with Deloitte, where I enjoyed working with some of the world’s largest retail and CPG companies developing their data strategies, igniting their delivery, and building capability. 

While exposure to other companies and challenges was rewarding, the opportunity to grow a global data and analytics team at an iconic brand such as Dr Martens was too tempting. I believe I am at my best when a product or brand resonates with my personal beliefs and I’m working in a collegiate environment, which I am fortunate to have at Doc’s. We are growing, which brings with it challenges, but also some exciting and rewarding opportunities which I am thrilled my team and I are central to.