Andrew Ward
Chief Digital & Product Officer | Data Governance | Digital Transformation
Digital and data leader with over 20 years of experience driving transformational change across financial services, professional services, higher education, and global consumer goods. Recognised for translating complex strategic challenges into measurable commercial outcomes.
Professional Summary
Currently delivering data governance and strategic advisory through Purple Panda Consulting, spanning digital transformation, compliance, and marketing technology.
Combines deep expertise in user-centred design, product strategy, data governance, and enterprise architecture with the commercial acumen to operate effectively at board level and within PE-backed environments.
A Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and Fellow of the Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing, with an MBA from the University of Roehampton. Three-time nominee for Digital Leader of the Year at the Digi Leaders Awards.
Career History
2022 – Present
Data Governance Technical Specialist
Global FMCG Organisation
2022 – Present
Founder & Principal Consultant
Purple Panda Consulting
2022 – Present
Martech Consultant
Neem Consulting
2020 – 2022
Head of Digital Enablement / Martech
KPMG
2018 – 2020
Head of Digital CX / Digital Products
Centrica (British Gas Business)
2014 – 2018
Design Lead / Global Head of Digital Transformation / Global Head of UX
University of Nottingham
2009 – 2014
Business Relationship Manager
Nottingham Trent University
Qualifications & Certifications
- MBA with Merit, University of Roehampton
- ILM Level 5
- ILM Certificate in Coaching & Mentoring
- TOGAF Trained (implemented in practice)
- ITIL Foundation
- PRINCE2 Foundation
- Six Sigma White Belt
- Nielsen Norman Group UX Certified
- Scrum Product Owner Accredited (SPOAC)
- NLP Coach, Practitioner & Timeline Therapist
Affiliations
- Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (FCMI)
- Fellow of the Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing (FIDDM)
- Three-time nominee, Digital Leader of the Year, Digi Leaders Awards
- Regular speaker on digital transformation, data governance, UX, and privacy
Publications
- Laboratories for the 21st Century in STEM Higher Education (Contributor), Loughborough University Press
- Teach Your Granny: Project Management, Amazon
- Teach Your Granny: Digital Marketing, Amazon
- Teach Your Granny: Personal Finance