This is a profile from the 2020 version of the DataIQ 100.
The 2021 list is available here
I started work in 1991 when I joined BT Group on a general management graduate programme. I was excited to begin a career in telecoms and technology, because it appeared to be an industry about to go through a huge amount of change. I wasn’t wrong.
During my 20 years at BT, I developed from a graduate trainee to the group’s global leadership team. A large part of my time at BT was spent opening and expanding businesses in Europe, the US and Asia. I also managed the challenges of a changing online and data-driven environment, helping the business re-orientate itself to the complex, digital world we now live in.
Following BT, I joined Experian as managing director for UK and EMEA, and I experienced the positive power that personal information and identity data has become. It was an exciting progression then, when I then joined the GB Group - a dedicated specialist in identity data - in April 2017 as CEO.
My time at GBG. Specifically, taking the business to more than 19,000 customers, over 1,000 team members and helping my team gain the highest customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction scores in the business’ history.
I have numerous role models I learn from on a daily basis. The older I get, the more I realise, I have to learn, and one can learn from all sorts of different people.
The year unfolded more or less as expected. On the macro front there was more political instability around the world, and I certainly didn’t expect the political events we saw in the UK.
From a GBG perspective, 2019 went more or less as expected. We saw more regulation for industries and a greater shift in focus for businesses on customers. Political and economic pressures have resulted in caution, but I’m pleased GBG has been able to help customers through it.
I expect even more focus on privacy and security, resulting in businesses needing to spend more time understanding their customers’ goals. Plus, even more focus on customer experience being a differentiator – and trust will be vital.
Consumers are shaping the future of commerce by continuing to have a strong voice. Technology that has ease, speed and convenience at its centre will always be important to customers/end users.
Understanding the changing needs and demands of their customers and making sure they are quick enough to react. Our clients’ technology teams need to work hand in hand with their product teams.
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