Andrew Day

Andrew Day

Sainsbury’s has created the new role of chief data officer to put data-led insights “at the heart of” its strategy.

Andrew Day, who describes himself as a “customer-obsessed board-level data, analytics and insights professional”, will assume the role at the end of the month.

Based in Sainsbury’s Holborn headquarters, he will head up a 50-strong corporate data team - an amalgamation of existing business intelligence, data science and data quality management teams.

Day previously held the position of chief data officer at News UK, where he spent two-and-a-half years providing insights for brands including The Times and The Sun.

Prior to that, he spent 11 years at O2 Telefonica, where he worked in a range of roles including business intelligence manager. Day has also held senior roles at Orange and Sky.

Day said he was excited to join “such a forward-thinking and digitally-minded” company as Sainsbury’s. “Customers are at the heart of everything Sainsbury’s does and I look forward to leading a team that ensures data insights are a key part of how we innovate to serve them best,” he said.

In his new role, Day will report to interim chief financial officer Ed Barker, who stressed the importance of insights from data.

“Creating this role reflects the value we place on our insights in an increasingly fast-paced and digital world,” said Barker. “We are sure that Andrew’s expertise will enable us to be more effective with our information and support the delivery of our strategy.”