The Rise of the Data NED

Having non-executive directors on the board of your business opens a world of insight that would otherwise not have been available. Across the Business, NEDs bring industry experience, strategic guidance, diversity, networks, succession, etc. This has led to a rise of Data NED in several industries.

What would be the advantages of having a NED that comes from data and analytics?

When we consider trying to build a business that is data-driven, working with the perspective of a NED from a data and analytics background in particular can shed light on where you are, versus where you should be, in the data journey.

The first thing to emphasize is the independent perspective that a NED brings, free from company bias. With all the internal politics that naturally come to life in a business, it can be difficult to understand where the true value lies. NEDs bring their objective viewpoint and fresh ideas that hopefully promote the most ideal outcome for the business. If you couple this with a deep understanding of the role of data and analytics, you’re providing the business with that last piece of vital assurance that you’re moving in the right direction in becoming data-driven.

I caught up with Liz Henderson, Advisor at Capgemini, and we agreed on the advantages of working with NEDs that have the insight needed to build data-driven businesses. By having a NED on the board from the data space, a business can boost the knowledge of its executive directors with the help and mentorship of NEDs. Similarly to how organisations bring in NEDs that have experience in the same sector, a data-focused NED brings the same advantage.

The role of a NED will always be to consider the business as a whole, with data and analytics functions being an important aspect, but one of many. However, the most prevalent issue I see with modern businesses that embark on becoming data-driven is losing sight of why they started in the first place. Becoming distracted by the latest in AI or another shiny tool is the easiest way for the data functions to become detached from the rest of the business. This is where a NED can keep the relationship between data and business as tight as possible. Their experience, not only in data but in growing businesses as a whole, should help to mitigate against a data function becoming redundant.

If you’re thinking about diversifying the NED board and want to connect with the right people, please get in touch

Ethan is a highly skilled consultant with us here at Orbition, specializing in data and analytics.

With a passion for technology and a natural talent for identifying top talent, he has become a valuable asset to both clients and candidates in the industry.Read more.