With more than 27 years’ experience across retail and FMCG, Andy Hill is currently Chief Data Officer at Sainsbury’s, where he leads the retailer’s Data and Analytics function, using data and AI to support business performance and long-term growth.
Andy studied Geography at the University of Oxford, drawn by an early fascination with how people, space and time interact. He joined dunnhumby in 1995, at a time when the company was an emerging start-up exploring the potential of early loyalty card data with Tesco. Over the next 22 years, he played a central role in dunnhumby’s evolution into the world’s leading customer science company. During this period, he held a range of senior technical and commercial roles, working with major retailers including Tesco, Kroger and Whole Foods. His leadership positions included Solutions Director for the UK and Ireland, Chief Operating Officer of dunnhumby Italia, and Chief Operating Officer of dunnhumby North America, based in Chicago.
In 2017, Andy joined Unilever as Chief Data Officer, where he led the company’s global data, advanced analytics and information strategy. He oversaw a large, diverse team of data scientists, engineers, AI and automation specialists, operating through a hybrid model of global centres of excellence and local market teams. His focus was on applying trusted data and AI at scale to drive sustainable growth and support Unilever’s purpose. He joined Sainsbury’s in 2025.
Andy has been consistently recognised for his impact on the data profession, named DataIQ’s most influential person in 2022 and ranked seventh in the DataIQ 100 in 2023.