David Hayes is Chief Data Officer at The Open University, where he focuses on using data and AI to improve decision-making and expand the University’s impact on learners’ lives.
He began his career on a graduate scheme at Anglian Water, qualifying as an accountant and building a grounding in management and leadership. David went on to hold finance roles across telecoms and banking, including at Santander UK, where his work in control functions and analytics drew him deeper into data. During the banking crisis, he was appointed as Santander’s first Chief Data Officer, establishing an end-to-end CDO function spanning governance, analytics and data management.
Across sectors, David’s work has been driven by a consistent aim: helping organisations see what has happened, understand what could happen next, and act with confidence. At The Open University, he brings that perspective to enable better outcomes for learners, and to help colleagues use data and AI in ways that are practical, responsible and genuinely useful.
As a data and AI leader, which traits and skills do you think matter most, and which of those have been most influential for you in your current position?
“Taking for granted that you need to know enough about what it takes to deliver AI solutions, or implement data controls, processes etc. I don’t think any particular data or AI skill stands out as mattering more than another, and anyone who can understand enough about the core capabilities in data and AI can be a successful data and AI leader.
“What absolutely beats all of those things is a willingness to listen, understand, and being able to apply data and AI thinking to solving organisational problems or grabbing institutional opportunities.
“It’s easy to slip into data and AI speak, but speaking in a way your organisation understands, translating data and AI into things they can touch, use, feel, and see value from is crucial.
“At the end of the day, your team needs to be empowered to deliver, and the leader’s role is to open the doors so they can work in partnership with the rest of the organisation do to that.”
Reflecting on your career, what is one non-traditional piece of advice (outside of technical skills) you would give to an aspiring data or AI leader aiming for the C-suite?
“Be curious, be humble, and don’t act like you know the answer even when you think (or know) you do. And once you understand, be bold in taking opportunities with partners in your organisation, not just on your own or just within your own team.”