Nick

Nicholas Creagh

Strategic Data Leader | Value-Driven CDO | Advisor on Data-Led Growth

I am a commercially focused Chief Data Officer with over two decades of experience delivering measurable value through data strategy, advanced analytics, and enterprise transformation. My approach blends deep technical expertise with a pragmatic focus on business outcomes—enabling organisations to unlock new revenue streams, optimise operations, and embed a culture of data-driven decision-making.

At the University of East London, I led the implementation of a university-wide Data Strategy and centralised Data Lake, enabling predictive models that improved student retention, automated marketing at scale, and reduced the cost of regulatory compliance. My work also introduced real-time reporting, supported student wellbeing interventions, and instilled a governance framework that reduced reporting effort and risk.

Previously, at QS Quacquarelli Symonds, I delivered a global data platform projected to generate over £10M in additional revenue. I built and scaled a team of 45 professionals and established a strategic roadmap that integrated master data management, AI, and a robust operating model.

I have repeatedly delivered commercial impact, including:

• £5M in new revenue from data monetisation at World of Books
• 25% growth in recruitment metrics at TES via targeted data products
• 5% Net Revenue savings at Pearson through supply chain analytics

Beyond delivery, I build future-ready teams and cultures. I’ve led global analytics functions, embedded communities of practice, and trained hundreds of staff to use data with confidence and purpose. I am regularly invited to speak at institutions such as the United Nations and Royal Society, and advise NGOs and startups on ethical AI, digital transformation, and data strategy.

Technically, I bring fluency in tools such as SQL, Tableau, Excel, PowerBI, Snowflake, Azure, Python, and modern data stack platforms. My leadership is as comfortable in boardrooms as it is in technical discussions.

I help organisations see data not just as an asset, but as a driver of growth, efficiency, and innovation.