Permanent Role for Smart Data Foundry CEO

Edinburgh-based Smart Data Foundry (SDF) has confirmed the appointment of Dougie Robb as its permanent CEO - he has hitherto served as CFO and Interim CEO, having been part of the firm's leadership team since its founding.

SDF works with nfp and public sector clients to develop dashboards integrating de-identified data from bank accounts with contextual information, to provide an overview of consumer financial well-being throughout the UK. Near future plans include the launch of a new research tool called the Economic Wellbeing Explorer, which will provide real-time insights into the financial health of the UK based on analysis of anonymised data from 5.3 million consumer bank accounts.

Robb (pictured) has helped the firm in establishing a vision of 'opening financial data for good', and has created dedicated data science and technology teams to support that vision - he also helped secure its first data sharing agreements, with NatWest Group and Sage UK. During the past nine months he has overseen the company's move to the Edinburgh Futures Institute, and co-led a successful bid with the University of Edinburgh for £3m funding from Smart Data Research UK, in order to set up the new Financial Data Service (FINDS).

Company Chair Dame Julia Unwin comments: 'Dougie has more than demonstrated that he is the right person to lead Smart Data Foundry into the next phase of expansion... We have the potential to make a major impact on some of society's biggest challenges, and the skills, capability and determination to deliver'.

Robb says the appointment is 'a real honour', adding: 'I'm fortunate to work with such a committed and passionate team, who are all dedicated to using their expertise to make a lasting impact on people's lives... This is an especially exciting time for the organisation as we embark on a new chapter with the launch of the Financial Data Service. As part of a network of six data centres across the UK, we will be working together to position the nation as a global leader in smart data research and innovation'.

The company is on the web at www.smartdatafoundry.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.