David Hayes

Chief Data Officer The Open University

David Hayes is the Chief Data Officer at The Open University, a role he has held since September 2019. With over 14 years of experience in the data sector, David has a background in finance and accounting, having worked across various industries, including Water, Telecoms, and Banking. His journey into data began with providing the data assurances needed to make sure major change programs could be successful, and this eventually led to him becoming the first CDO at Santander UK, where he established the organization's data services functions. David is passionate about helping individuals unlock their potential and believes in the power of data and technology to achieve this. Currently, at The Open University, he is instrumental in developing data and digital services to empower people through education. This includes working across the university to ensure AI is developed and deployed safely in ways that can enhance student and university outcomes.