FT Names First Chief Data Officer

The UK's Financial Times (FT) has promoted Tom Betts for the new role of Chief Data Officer. He also joins the publisher's Executive Board, which oversees its global strategy and performance.

Betts (pictured) previously worked as VP Customer Analytics and Research for the 'Professional' group of businesses within FT parent company Pearson - the group includes the FT, Pearson English, and Pearson Vue. He joined the FT in 2009 as Senior Data Analyst, and later served as its Head of Web Analytics, and Head of Data Analytics. Earlier, he was a Senior Consultant at data anlytics consultancy Detica.

In his new role, Betts will oversee the use of customer data and research across the organisation, while experimenting and testing new ideas with the aim of building audiences and revenues. In addition to supporting product development, advertising and audience engagement with data insight, Betts and his team of around 30 will create new tools to roll out the use of data across the business.

CEO John Ridding comments: 'I am delighted to welcome Tom to the FT executive board in recognition of the contribution data insight brings to the FT's performance and success. His experience leading our data analytics team during a hugely important part of our digital transformation will be fundamental to the continued growth of our digital and subscription business'.

Web site: www.ft.com .