“If we were only looking at the Zeitgeist, then defence and space would undoubtedly have emerged as the key sector within the 2025 DataIQ 100 Europe. What really launched Johanna into our number one position on the list were the critical dimensions that we scored for in our newly-adopted selection formula: career track, capabilities, and proximity to the C-suite. As a deeply-skilled data leader with both reach and influence, she is particularly well placed to support BAE Systems with data and AI through what we know will be a transformative year. We are not only delighted to recognise her achievements – we all need her to continue to succeed.” – David Reed, Chief Knowledge Officer and Evangelist, DataIQ
I am an experienced data, analytics and AI specialist with a history of building and delivering high value capability in the government and private sector. In 2023, I became the Group Chief Data Officer for BAE Systems. When I joined, this was a new role for the organisation and I am now innovating products of the future and driving business operation transformation.
Prior to my time at BAE, I led data transformations and built data teams to enable analytics for decision making in government as the UK Health Security Agency’s Director of Analytics and Data Science. In this role, I implemented significant change to public service, leading the delivery of data and analytical products for decision making during the 2020 pandemic. My time in government gave me experience in a range of roles, from writing HMRC’s first data strategy to leading the first data team at The Pensions Regulator.
Additionally, I built programmes in wastewater surveillance, designing the new network to mobilise insight from across government in the advent of a national security incident.
I have a PhD from the University of Liverpool and was a primatologist until my thirties when I transferred into the work of data and statistics, utilising my academic scientific background to achieve great success.