In Episode 25, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Matt Lovell, Group Director of Data & AI at JD Sports Group, where they discuss the benefits of centralising data & AI leadership, which includes;

• The importance of building centralised data leadership in complex, multi-brand organisations.
• Why federated models require a hybrid approach to data strategy and technology governance.
• Aligning use-case driven transformation to quick wins and long-term data goals.
• The need for internal audits to uncover hidden technology and data assets.
• Why data maturity varies across business units and how to turn that into a strength.
• The evolution of customer behaviour post-COVID and how omnichannel strategies are adapting.
• How predictive insights help ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time.
• The value of analysing local trends and geolocation data to inform valuable business decisions.
• Why strategic data sharing can strengthen partnerships without directly monetising data.
• How AI is being used to augment human capability and improve operational efficiency.
• The emergence of agentic AI to proactively detect and resolve issues before escalation.
• Why teaching prompt literacy is key to unlocking AI’s full potential.
• How BI and AI are converging to deliver next best action intelligence.
• The evolving role of data professionals as AI handles more technical execution.
• Why clean, well-governed data remains essential for enabling effective AI solutions.

Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.

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