Data Decoded MCR has brought together some of the UK’s brightest and most respected data minds to help shape the direction of the event. Our Steering Group offers invaluable, hands-on insight into the real-world challenges and opportunities facing today’s data professionals. Their expertise ensures that the event’s content is not only forward-thinking, but also grounded in the fast-paced reality of the data industry.
Data Evangelist, Tableau
Andy Cotgreave is Tableau’s Data Evangelist and co-author of The Big Book of Dashboards. He writes the How To Speak Data newsletter and co-hosts Chart Chat, a monthly video series about data communication. He focuses heavily on the impact AI might have on data analysts. With over 18 years’ experience in data analytics, he has helped thousands of people improve their data cultures, and been a keen spotter of new trends in the industry.
Director of Global Policy & Corporate Affairs, Open Data Institute (ODI)
Emma’s career spans government, business, technology, and academia. In 2012, she was one of the founding team – with Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Sir Nigel Shadbolt – that established the Open Data Institute (ODI). As Director of Global Policy and Corporate Affairs, Emma shapes organisational strategy and advocates for ethical and responsible data stewardship. From her socio-technical perspective, she has authored several papers, including on data-centric AI and data assurance practices. Emma leads the ODI’s public policy practice and represents the organisation on the UK’s Smart Data Council.
Head of Data Strategy, Admiral Group
Hannah leads on Data Strategy at Admiral and founded and led their award winning Data & AI Academy from 2022 to 2025. Hannah’s background has ranged from Data Insights to Data Skills and Talent and Data Strategy and Capability.
Passionate to improve things for others Hannah works closely with Women in Data to support and inspire females into Data and Tech industries and mentors women across Data and Technology in numerous market leading initiatives. Hannah was awarded a Top 20 Women in Data and Tech 2024 award for her contributions to improving Data Culture and Data Literacy and was announced as a DataIQ Future Leader for 2025.
Developer Relations, Griptape
Ian Massingham is a seasoned technology executive with extensive experience in cloud computing, data technology, startups, and developer relations. He is currently with Griptape, an early stage startup focusing on agentic AI and LLM application development.
Prior to 2021, Ian spent nearly eight years at AWS, joining the company in December 2013, before AWS had gained significant enterprise adoption in Europe. During his tenure at AWS, Ian held various roles in Developer Relations and Evangelism, starting in this function and moving into worldwide leadership position; and as Global Director, Worldwide Solutions Architecture for Startups.
CEO, Intelligent Business Strategies
Mike Ferguson is CEO of Intelligent Business Strategies Ltd. As an independent IT industry analyst and consultant he specialises in business intelligence / analytics, data management, big data and enterprise architecture. He has over 40 years of IT experience.
Head of DataOps, Bupa
Working across strategy and delivery of enterprise data assets which cover Insurance (UK and Global), Health Services, Care Services and Dental. Bringing with me over a decade working with medium and large enterprises unlocking their data potential across Retail, Energy, Law, Dentistry, Insurance and Health Services. Emboldening customer centricity by being data-driven and digitally enabled. Specialising in platforms, architectures and, growing and nurturing technical teams.
