My career in data has been shaped by pivotal moments of learning, leadership, and technological evolution. I first joined Tesco in 2009, but my desire to deepen my expertise led me to pursue a master’s in Data Science and Analytics. During this time, I gained hands-on experience across startups and scaleups in financial services, broadening my perspective on data strategy, innovation, and decision-making.
Returning to Tesco as Head of Data for Cybersecurity, I brought back a fresh vision—one that focuses on scalable data foundations, modern infrastructure, and aligning security objectives with cutting-edge analytics and AI. Today, I lead the charge in leveraging data as a strategic advantage, ensuring that Tesco remains at the forefront of cyber defense.
At the heart of our cybersecurity strategy is our security lake—a centralised system designed to manage and analyse security threats across multi-cloud and hybrid environments. By aggregating data from various sources in real-time, near real-time, and batch modes, we provide a single source of truth for security teams. This enables advanced threat detection, monitoring, and reporting, strengthening Tesco’s security posture.
From deploying machine learning models for anomaly detection to developing security data products that provide actionable insights, our cyber data platform empowers teams to make informed decisions that protect Tesco’s customers and employees. The goal? A seamless, data-driven defense system that proactively mitigates risk while enabling innovation.
One of the most exciting aspects of my role is the opportunity to collaborate across Tesco’s Cybersecurity teams. Working with cross-functional groups, I focus on making data the driving force behind advanced threat detection. This involves building secure, scalable platforms that not only support real-time analytics but also leverage AI to predict and prevent potential threats.
The challenge of managing massive datasets while ensuring accessibility and governance is a rewarding one. At Tesco, we encourage security teams to experiment with data, pushing boundaries in analytics while maintaining the highest standards of protection. This culture of innovation ensures that our cyber defense evolves at the same pace as digital threats.
Since my first tenure at Tesco in 2009, the company has transformed into a data-first, digitally-driven organisation. The shift from traditional business intelligence to AI-powered decision-making has revolutionised customer experience, operational efficiency, and cybersecurity. Real-time analytics and automation now play a central role in proactive threat detection, ensuring security is embedded in every aspect of Tesco’s digital ecosystem.
Beyond technology, Tesco’s culture has evolved to become more agile and innovation-centric. By empowering teams with data-driven decision-making capabilities, we have created a dynamic work environment where cybersecurity is not just a compliance measure but a strategic priority.
For those looking to build a career in cybersecurity data at Tesco, embracing a data-first mindset is key. Just as data is leveraged in finance, marketing, and operations, it plays a crucial role in safeguarding trust, security, and resilience at scale.
Tesco provides an exciting environment for cybersecurity professionals, offering opportunities to work on large-scale challenges, collaborate with experts, and shape next-generation cyber data platforms. With investments in AI-driven threat detection, anomaly detection, and security automation, we foster a culture of continuous learning, cross-team collaboration, and technical excellence.
As Tesco continues its cybersecurity transformation, the intersection of data, AI, and security will define the future. We are not just responding to threats—we are anticipating and preventing them, ensuring a safer digital experience for millions of customers and employees worldwide.
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