In a world where data is at the core of business transformation, understanding how to influence change through people and culture is critical. Johanna Hutchinson, Group Chief Data Officer at BAE Systems, brings a wealth of experience in data leadership across government and industry. In a conversation on Driven by Data: The Podcast, she shares insights on fostering a data-driven culture, navigating organisational change, and the role of leadership in ensuring data and analytics deliver real business value.
The Journey into Data Leadership
Johanna’s career has been deeply embedded in data from the start. With an academic background in psychology and biology, she found herself drawn more to data analysis than research publication. This passion led her to a career in the civil service, where she played a key role in making government data more accessible and actionable. The increasing role of data in government decision-making, from economic statistics to pandemic response, positioned her at the forefront of data transformation.
Her move to BAE Systems came at a time when the company was undergoing a significant shift toward integrating digital and AI capabilities into its defence and manufacturing operations. The challenge was clear: ensuring that data, analytics, and AI were effectively leveraged to enhance efficiency and support complex operations.
Understanding the Role of Data at BAE Systems
BAE Systems, operating in 46 countries, is a global leader in defence and engineering. From aeronautics and naval ships to intelligence and combat systems, data is central to the company’s operations. However, with different regulatory environments and unique technological requirements across regions, harnessing the power of data is no small feat.
For Johanna, the key challenge is ensuring data accessibility. She emphasises that a successful data strategy must empower engineers, data scientists, and business teams to access the right data at the right time. This not only optimises operations but also fuels innovation and enhances decision-making at all levels of the business.
Defining and Realising Value in Data
The conversation around value in data varies by industry, and in the defence sector, it carries unique implications. BAE Systems operates like any other business, balancing efficiency, cost, and customer satisfaction, but with the added complexity of government contracts and security requirements.
One of Johanna’s primary goals as CDO is to bridge the gap between business and technology teams. Many organisations struggle to translate technical innovation into real-world impact. By fostering cross-functional collaboration and aligning data strategy with business objectives, she ensures that BAE’s data initiatives drive tangible outcomes.
People and Culture: The Real Drivers of Change
While technology and process are vital components of a data strategy, Johanna stresses that people and culture ultimately determine its success. Organisational culture is not a monolith—it varies across teams, departments, and business units. Understanding these nuances is essential when driving change.
Johanna highlights the importance of making data initiatives relevant to different parts of the business. She draws parallels between digital transformation in manufacturing and everyday consumer experiences, like online shopping and navigation apps. By framing data solutions in relatable terms, employees are more likely to see the value and adopt new ways of working.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
Change, especially in large and established organisations, is never easy. Many employees at BAE Systems have spent decades mastering their craft, and introducing new data-driven approaches can be met with skepticism.
Johanna approaches this challenge by identifying champions within the business—those who advocate for innovation and are willing to experiment with new ways of working. By demonstrating small but impactful wins, she builds momentum for broader transformation. Additionally, she recognises that not everyone will immediately embrace change, and managing this transition requires empathy, communication, and strategic prioritisation.
Structuring Data Teams for Success
BAE Systems employs a hub-and-spoke model for its data teams. A central data function focuses on common capabilities and governance, while embedded teams within business units ensure data solutions are closely aligned with operational needs. This model balances consistency with flexibility, allowing data experts to work closely with domain specialists in aviation, naval engineering, and cybersecurity.
One of Johanna’s key initiatives is fostering a data community that extends beyond traditional data roles. By encouraging engagement from employees across disciplines, she cultivates a culture where data is seen as a shared asset rather than the sole responsibility of a single team.
Measuring the Impact of Data Initiatives
Demonstrating the value of data and analytics is an ongoing challenge for many organisations. At BAE Systems, Johanna has implemented a ventures framework to assess the impact of data initiatives across functions. This includes traditional performance metrics, as well as qualitative indicators such as efficiency gains, adoption rates, and improved decision-making capabilities.
Moreover, the increasing cost of digital infrastructure—from cloud computing to AI processing—requires careful management. Johanna underscores the importance of educating stakeholders on the trade-offs involved in scaling data capabilities and ensuring that investments align with business priorities.
Final Thoughts
For organisations looking to embed data into their culture, Johanna’s experience offers valuable lessons:
- Start with the business need – Data initiatives should always be framed in terms of how they solve real business challenges.
- Empower the right people – Building a strong data community and identifying advocates within the business accelerates adoption.
- Balance top-down and bottom-up approaches – Leadership support is crucial, but change happens on the ground, where employees interact with data daily.
- Communicate effectively – Tailoring the message to different audiences ensures better engagement and understanding.
You can listen to the full episode here:
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