Simon Smith

Chief Data Officer @ News Corp

Simon Smith is a prominent technology executive who currently serves as the Chief Data Officer at News Corp, a position he has held for approximately 11 years.1 Here's a comprehensive overview of his background and career:

Education and Early Career

Simon holds a Master's Degree in Physics from the University of Oxford. His academic background in physics laid the foundation for his future career in data and analytics.

Professional Experience

Simon's career spans over two decades in the technology industry, with a focus on data, analytics, and architecture. His professional journey includes:

News Corp: As Chief Data Officer and Senior Vice President of Technology, Simon oversees data, identity, and ad tech domains. He has also served as:
- Interim Chief Technology Officer at News UK
- Head of Data and Analytics
Previous Roles: Before joining News Corp, Simon held positions at:
- Google: Technical partnership roles
- Accenture: Consulting roles
- Deloitte Consulting: Consulting roles
- Arthur Andersen Business Consulting: Consulting roles

Expertise and Contributions

Simon is known for his expertise in:

Data management and analytics
Architecture
Digital transformation
Innovation leadership

At News Corp, Simon has been instrumental in implementing a major data transformation across the company.1 He has been working on:

Automating the distribution of information
Collecting standard metrics and KPIs across different business units
Implementing data mesh concepts to create a more rounded data asset at the center of the organization

Approach to Data Strategy

Simon advocates for a pragmatic approach to data strategy, emphasizing:

The importance of storytelling through data
Balancing global standardization with the diverse needs of different business units
Implementing deliverable architectures in complex organizational structures

His leadership has been crucial in navigating the challenges of creating a unified data strategy across News Corp's diverse portfolio of media assets and business units.1