This is a profile from the 2022 version of the DataIQ 100.
The latest list is available here.
Matthew Thomson, director, EMEA product specialists, Databricks
What has been your path to power?
After completing a degree in Physics, I decided to continue studying and completed a PhD in Astrophysics, researching how galaxies evolve and form stars in the distant universe. This is where I was introduced to data science, and absolutely loved how statistical and analytical methods could solve these astrophysical problems. But I didn’t want an academic career, and instead looked to apply the data science methods I’d learnt to solve real-world problems. So I joined a consultancy firm, and it was there that I added a passion for technology to my love of data, statistics and analytics. In particular I saw how machine learning could be transformational in solving a huge variety of problems across industries. I particularly enjoyed solving customers’ problems and demonstrating how technology can help drive business value.
I had been following the Apache Spark project for some years, and helped run the London Apache Spark Meetup group, so when Databricks opened an office in London this was an obvious move for me. It was my first time working at a startup and I really enjoyed the pace with which the company moved, evolved and was laser-focused on solving the world’s toughest problems with data and AI. Starting as an individual contributor I quickly moved into a people leadership role to help define how we deliver professional services projects and to grow the most talented team of people I have ever worked with. I am now focused on ensuring that our customers use Databricks in the best way possible, and that Databricks continues to evolve to solve our customers toughest problems.
What impact has the pandemic had on demand from your clients?
It has varied across our customers. Some customers, especially those in travel and hospitality, have been greatly impacted by the pandemic. Some customers saw it as a chance to invest in improving their infrastructure and so demand went up, others were just trying to keep afloat and so reduced their spend on transformational projects. But overall we’ve seen a much higher demand since the pandemic, for example, the Databricks collaborative workspace environment really helps customers work in a remote setting. But I think the biggest change is that the pandemic has driven customers to need to adapt to new ways of working and operating generally, and data has been a core part of that. Many have taken this to time to assess how to get the best out of their data and become more data driven, hence becoming more efficient and more successful.
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