Steering Group

Big Data LDN has asked the brightest and best data brains in the UK to help steer us as to where the industry is going. Our Steering Committee provides us with invaluable experience and insight of the everyday reality of working in the fast-moving world of Data.

MIKE FERGUSON

Managing Director, Intelligent Business Strategies

Conference Chair
A respected rainmaker since before Big Data was even named, Mike consults with the largest tech vendors on strategy and positioning. His intensely-detailed work researching the market and vendor offerings find him on stages worldwide for much of the year. Not a man to skip the details, he likes his data deep

Best thing about Big Data LDN?
Offering free research insights to the Big Data community and basking in their feedback, good and bad.

HELEN MANNION

Founder of Prospore Leadership and Data AI Strategies

Helen is the founder of Prospore Leadership, where she helps organisations craft and implement Data & AI strategies that deliver tangible, measurable results. Recognized as one of the Top 100 most influential data professionals by DataIQ since 2016, and a top 10 leader in recent years, Helen has advised boards and executive teams on how to leverage data to drive growth.

Best thing about Big Data LDN?

Great to reconnect with friends and build new connections within the data community.

MANCA VITORINO

Data Operations Director,
ICIS
     

As ICIS Director of data, Manca is focusing on the development of a data culture through implementation of a comprehensive data literacy programme, enabling all ICIS staff to ask questions and make decisions based on data.
 

DAN KEELY

Chief Engineer,
hubb

Dan Keeley has been working in data engineering for over 15 years. He was named one of the UKs top 50 data influencers in 2016 and joined the BDL steering group in 2023.


 

ROISIN MCCARTHY

Founder,
Women in Data
   

Since founding Women in Data in 2015 Roisin continues to drive more inclusive and innovative methods in which to engage women in a career in Data, develop their expertise in the sector and use the human capital and brilliance of the community for good.

JOVITA TAM

Data / AI Advisor / Attorney - Independent Speaker

Jovita is a business-focused data/AI advisor/engineer, and dual-qualified attorney (England & Wales, New York) with a global track record of delivering on change & transformation across organization, industry, and cultural boundaries. She simplifies complex challenges and turns them into innovative solutions with a blend of strategic thinking and tactical expertise.

NICOLA ASKHAM

The Data Governance
Coach
 

Nicola is the leading data governance training provider in the UK. She holds a unique level of experience in the Data Governance field, and has experience in training, coaching and working with major organisations to help them implement full data governance frameworks.

ABEL
ABOH

Data Management Lead,
Bank of England

Abel is a high performing Data Management professional with working experience across various industries and sectors in the United Kingdom. Abel is a self-confessed Data Management Influencer and Champion who is passionate about the Data Management profession not just in the United Kingdom but across the globe.
 

Best thing about Big Data LDN?
The atmosphere is vibrant! Big Data LDN is a unique conference and there’s something for everyone. 

JASON
FOSTER

CEO & Founder,
Cynozure

Jason Foster, is a best-in-class data strategist, host of the ‘Hub and Spoken’ podcast, and Founder & CEO at Cynozure, the market leading data and AI consultancy. Jason is recognised as one of the most influential people in data and was named Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023 as part of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Best thing about Big Data LDN?
The best thing about BDL is how it helps elevate the whole industry’s ability to get value from data and AI

JEZ
CLARK

Co-founder – Director,
Eden Smith

Jez Clark is the Co-founder & CEO of Eden Smith, a pioneering force in data consulting and staffing. A disruptor and innovator with 25+ years of experience, Jez has redefined how businesses attract, retain, and develop top data talent. What began as a niche staffing firm is now a full-scale consultancy, empowering organisations - with expert consulting, staffing, and AI-driven solutions - to lead with data.

Best thing about Big Data LDN?
Big Data LDN and Eden Smith have grown together since their inception in 2016, evolving into a thriving community that fosters innovationcollaboration, and  business opportunity .

MATT
POLLARD

Vice President and Managing Director, SS&C Technology

Matt Pollard is a technology executive with over 25 years of experience. As VP & Managing Director of Technology at SS&C (NASDAQ: SSNC), he leads global managed IT services and end-user computing operations. A recognized thought leader in ethical AI, Matt champions transparency and accountability in AI governance. He has held senior leadership roles at IBM, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Slalom, where he shaped IT, AI, and data strategies for Fortune 100 companies. 

Best thing about Big Data LDN?

There is no other conference in the world that brings together such an impressive lineup of experts and thought leaders from the data, analytics, and AI communities.