Governing Body Spotlight

Natalie Jakomis is the Director of Data and Analytics at Rightmove. She is responsible for growing and enhancing a highly-talented and multi-skilled data function and cultivating a data and analytics culture that supports the business vision. She is passionate about providing decision-ready data and business intelligence strategies, and she is experienced in developing and deploying data science models and AI solutions within a customer centric business.

Learn more about the UK & Ireland CDAO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

With nearly 20 years, I’ve gained extensive experience leading high-performing teams, implementing ambitious data strategies, and driving digital transformations across industries like fintech, manufacturing and utilities. My path has been shaped by a blend of technical expertise and commercial acumen, enabling me to align data and technology with business goals to deliver measurable outcomes. Along the way, I’ve championed innovation and diversity as a STEM ambassador, fostering inclusive and collaborative environments. This journey has prepared me to inspire teams and create meaningful impact in my current leadership role.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

'Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.'
 

What is the greatest challenge facing CDAOs today, and how are you addressing it?

The need to demonstrate business value while overcoming cultural, operational and technical hurdles. These challenges can be addressed through:

• Aligning initiatives with business outcomes
• Strengthening trust and data literacy 
• Modernising data infrastructure to support scalability and innovation
• Building governance frameworks to balance compliance and agility
   

What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CDAO?

Success will depend on how quickly you establish creditability, align data initiatives with business goals and communicate a clear vision that balances short-term wins with long-term transformation. By being both strategic and pragmatic, you can position yourself as a critical business leader who drives value through data.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

Alignment with business outcomes, data culture and data literacy, operational excellence and value creation. By combining quantitative and qualitative measures, success can be assessed not just in terms of business delivery, but also in terms of long-term business impact, team empowerment and cultural transformation.
 

What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?

Building a trusted network of peers to share ideas and accelerate decision making is highly valuable, as well as having access to exclusive events and actionable content to help stay ahead of trends and sharpen strategies.
 

Evanta Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.