Katie Ward

Dynamic, innovative, and results-oriented leader with over 20 years of experience in driving data and analytics transformations and delivering data solutions. A strategic thinker and partner to the business, adept at optimising data for commercially driven decision-making and unlocking customer engagement potential. Passionate about staying at the forefront of emerging innovations and trends in big data and machine learning. Recognised for transforming and leading teams through strategic planning, talent management, budgeting, and complex program and delivery management. Known for promoting a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within teams. Combining technical prowess with a keen business acumen, excels in optimising operating models between data teams, enhancing customer experience, and driving advanced analytics, data science, and data-driven decision-making. Known for engaging with key stakeholders across the business, acting as a data ambassador, and promoting the value of data-driven insights. Eager to contribute expertise to impactful roles in data, analytics, and technology, and make a significant impact on data, analytics, data architecture, and technology initiatives. Open to opportunities in global organisations where a data-driven culture is valued and nurtured. 

• Realised over £5 million in benefits by leveraging customer insights and implementing targeted interventions across the customer journey, demonstrating a strategic impact on both satisfaction and financial success.
• Earned a coveted spot in the prestigious DataIQ 100 for 2022 and 2023, underscoring consistent leadership and innovation in the realm of data and analytics.
• Made a member of the extended senior leadership team (100 top leaders) at Sage to contribute to company strategy and direction.
• Introduced a pioneering Colleague Insights dashboard, showcasing travel costs and CO2 footprint, actively monitoring behavioural changes, and contributing to sustainability goals.
• Pioneered a 20% reduction in data footprint within the Central Data Office, optimising data sets and reporting for heightened operational efficiency.
• Led the removal of legacy data platforms and tools within the IT department, achieving more than 15% reduction, cutting costs by more than £500K, streamlining operations, and positioning for future growth.
• Earned the prestigious 'President’s Award for Achievement 2015' at the annual Avis Budget senior leader’s conference, recognising outstanding contributions to leadership and strategic initiatives.

• Mini MBA, London School of Economics
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• TOGAF 9.1 Certified
• MCITP SQL Server Business Intelligence
• CIM Certificate in Marketing
• BA Honours in German and History (2:1)
• 3 A-levels: German, French, History
• 10 GCSEs