S5 | Ep 25 Creating Synergy: The Benefits of Centralisation with Matt Lovell, Group Director of Data & AI at JD Sports (Group)

Driven by Data: The Podcast

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.

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.