Heather Thomson

Background

About Heather Thomson

An experienced senior leader, manager, and board member, bringing a wealth of experience in strategic leadership and organisational change. Since joining The Data Lab in 2018, I have led an £8m data and AI skills programme, helping to create a highly skilled workforce and a closely connected business, academic and public sector community whilst addressing the challenges and opportunities derived in a changing world of work. Appointed to The Data Lab’s senior leadership team in 2021 as Director of Skills and Education playing a fundamental role in developing strategy, delivery and culture across the wider organisation and appointed to Interim CEO in April 2024 to lead the transition and organisational change to a new funding and delivery model. Track record in leading the establishment of innovative educational programmes and building high-performing teams in both the public and private sectors. I am passionate about empowering, inspiring, and supporting others to develop, to deliver, and to effect change. I have a proven ability to manage large-scale programmes and complex budgets, conduct gap analyses, design competency frameworks, procure services and identify and capitalise on funding opportunities. I have a strong interest in the changing world of work and future skills in relation to digital, data and AI and am passionate about supporting and motivating others to capitalise on the opportunities that technology offers to improve their own lives, the lives of others and the world that we live in.