September 02, 2025

S5 | Ep 40 | Two Streams of Transformation; Accelerating Value While Building for Scale with Carlos Soares, SVP Data, Analytics & AI at Brenntag

59 minutes

In Episode 40, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by Carlos Soares, SVP Data, Analytics & AI at Brenntag, where they discuss how Brenntag is reshaping global operations by applying data, analytics, and AI to drive measurable business value.

From tackling transformation through dual streams to building a data culture rooted in EBITDA impact, this conversation uncovers the practical realities and hidden complexities of delivering scalable value with data, which includes;

Why defining the true problem statement is the most important part of successful transformation.
Why many confuse the problem statement and pain points.
The importance of hiring ‘purple’ people and building ‘purple teams for transformation.
Why data and analytics work should deliver EBITDA impact and why that’s an issue for our industry.
Building models and controls groups to measure value creation but more importantly drive it internally.
The two streams of successful D&A transformation.
How quick wins can deliver commercial returns to drive credibility and further investment.
Why low-hanging fruit often gets overlooked.
Why cross-collaboration and working in partnership with business stakeholders is the only way to succeed.
The phenomenal success of their ‘Customer Growth Engine’ that’s delivered insane results.
Why AI will augment human-decision making not automate it.
Why the association to IT limits strategic potential and value creation.
Why we need to reskill for relevance in an AI enabled world.
Plus, much more.

For more information on our upcoming Driven by Data LIVE event; https://orbitiongroup.com/driven-by-data-live/

Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.

Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.

If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.

At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.

From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.

We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.

Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

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By Orbition Group

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