Natalie Jakomis, global director of data science and analytics, Coats

Path to power

I am fortunate to have had several roles over the past 16 years, all of which have involved using data and technology to solve interesting problems. I started my career as a cancer epidemiologist at the Office for National Statistics, before moving to Ofsted to head up the schools data and analysis team, where I worked closely with the Department for Education.

I then moved to Dwr Cymru Welsh Water as chief statistician and head of data. At Welsh Water, we would pride ourselves on our ability to earn the trust of our customers and I enjoyed the opportunity of using data and analytics to enable the company to be customer centric.

I later moved to GoCo Group (GoCompare), where I became group director of data. It was great to work with a team of like-minded people who were incredibly passionate about data being at the heart of the online business.

More recently, I joined Coats, the world’s leading industrial thread company that operates in some 50 countries, across six continents, where I am responsible for maintaining a class leading data capability and building a deep data-driven culture.

What is the proudest achievement of your career to date?

I have two proud achievements. Making the 2018 Women in Data/Female Lead “20 in Data and Technology” list, which celebrated inspirational female roles who are helping to transform the world in data and technology. And landing a global position at Coats – a visionary and pioneering global company. I am excited to be joining a world leading manufacturer that is combining deep industry expertise with the practical application of disruptive technology and better use of data to deliver significant, sustainable and measurable improvements.