Johanna Hutchinson, the chief data officer (CDO) at BAE Systems, took an unconventional path to her current role. Prior to becoming a data professional, Hutchinson worked as a primatologist, spending her time monitoring gorillas in Central Africa and caring for rescue gibbons in Thailand. Her love of animals and the outdoors led her to study biology and psychology at university, which eventually paved the way for her transition into a career in data. Hutchinson’s background as a scientist equipped her with the necessary skills for data analysis, particularly in hypothesis testing. She believes that data only holds value when it provides insights and information that can help businesses make informed decisions.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Hutchinson played a crucial role in data analysis and decision-making as the head of analysis for the UK’s Test and Trace program. She emphasizes the importance of data interoperability, especially in the defense sector. In her current role at BAE Systems, Hutchinson closely follows the technological developments of their partners to identify opportunities for the business. She believes that artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI (GenAI), can play a significant role in presenting data in a more accessible and actionable way.
Hutchinson acknowledges the skills shortage in the data field and the need to attract more women to the industry to bring diverse perspectives and mitigate biases in AI models. She emphasizes the importance of mentoring and supporting women throughout their careers to ensure their progression to senior leadership roles. Hutchinson also highlights the positive impacts of remote work during the pandemic, providing more flexibility for women in technology and data roles.
Looking ahead, Hutchinson predicts a shift towards more embedded AI and analytical tools within systems, enabling faster data processing and insights in the manufacturing world. She sees this as a natural progression that will require employees to upskill and adapt. BAE Systems is actively investing in training and development programs, including the Global Digital Academy, to address the talent shortage and ensure a pipeline of skilled engineers and data specialists.