This is a profile from the 2022 version of the DataIQ 100.
The latest list is available here.
Elaine Priest, chief data officer, data transformation, NatWest
What has been your path to power?
My career has been shaped by being curious and taking on challenges where the journey isn’t easy nor the path that clear. My help has been sought numerous times across different areas within the banking industry, but there has always been a data lens to any role that I have undertaken. Collaboration and partnership are key to any success, and being open to new ideas and innovation creates an energising environment.
I thoroughly enjoy “paying it forward” through career coaching and mentoring. I have enjoyed and benefited from the advocacy and sponsorship of numerous people for nearly 30 years. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing someone reach their goals.
What impact has the pandemic had on the role of data in your company/organisation?
Even before the pandemic, the organisation had shifted its focus towards a co-creative and symbiotic relationship with data. As we drive forwards to become the relationship bank for a digital age our focus on data will not relent.
The pandemic continues to provide a useful frame on the importance of data on our day-to-day lives and makes it a more relatable subject for those that are not deep within the profession, including our customers.
Does data now have a seat at the table during strategic discussions? If not, what will it take to get it there?
Data is a major component of our corporate strategy to help champion the potential of the 19 million people, families and businesses we serve in communities throughout the UK and Ireland. The team regularly presents to leadership and the board on data-related subjects. We work in partnership across all divisions of the company to bring the best analytical insights. We have continued to increase our footprint and in 2020 we hired more than 300 data engineers and data scientists.
DataIQ is a trading name of IQ Data Group Limited
10 York Road, London, SE1 7ND
Phone: +44 020 3821 5665
Registered in England: 9900834
Copyright © IQ Data Group Limited 2024