Path to power
Over the past four years, I have overseen the development of the information business within Barclays UK, helping it to expand under the twin pillars of stewardship and commercialisation. Running a start-up business within an organisation with a 325-year history is no mean feat, yet this has been achieved at pace, evidenced by the income that has been generated and the influence it has had on customer outcomes.
I have moved the conversation on data within Barclays from the lens of privacy and compliance (GDPR) to focusing on using data in the best interests of customers and as a source of competitive advantage. I have been at the forefront of developing a new structure and processes that allow data to be shared across the group and with partners in a way that both complies with legislation and ensures Barclays customers’ safety and value are paramount.
I have also created a data strategy for Barclays that sets out a forward-thinking vision for future data usage, focused on ethical and trustworthy use of data, while promoting innovation and growth. Under my leadership and guidance, Barclays Market & Customer Insights (M&CI) product has been developed and launched, an innovative new service provided directly to clients or via partners, producing cutting-edge insights that harness the full potential of data from billions of debit and credit card transactions. Since launch, revenue has grown five-fold each year, with over one-third of sales coming from repeat business, demonstrating the value in the product.
I have also established the Data Science Academy, building home-grown data scientists to allow the business to grow internally. The team’s success can be seen by the number of external awards we have won, as well a growing reach and influence within the Barclays Group and beyond.
What is the proudest achievement of your career to date?
Creating teams and franchises that last way beyond my tenancy in the companies I have been fortunate to work in. Most recently I’m proud of our work:
– On financial vulnerability, which Data IQ members were kind enough to recognise, awarding it their Grand Prix;
– Developing a code of conduct for data usage to ensure we always do the right thing by our customers in everything we do;
– Establishing our Junior Data Science Programme that is now creating home grown data scientists;
– Lastly, helping UK plc grow via our Insights platform, helping blue chip companies grow their business.