Data and AI community organisation DataIQ has unveiled its 2026 DataIQ 100 Europe Top 10, recognising executives shaping the future of data and artificial intelligence across the continent.
The announcement was made yesterday at the Science Museum in London, following the publication of the broader DataIQ 100 Europe list in February.
Since its launch in 2014, the annual DataIQ 100 has tracked the growing prominence of roles such as chief data officers, chief analytics officers, data scientists, and AI specialists across multiple sectors.
This year’s Top 10 includes leaders from major organisations, with eight based in the UK. Companies represented include Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, BAE Systems, BP, British Airways, National Grid, Heathrow, and Admiral.
DataIQ 100 Europe top 10 for 2026
- Laia Collazos, chief data and analytics officer, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
- Johanna Hutchinson, group chief data officer, BAE Systems
- Karl O’Hanlon, chief data and analytics officer, Veolia
- Gary Goldberg, chief data officer, supply, trading, and shipping, bp plc
- Perry Philipp, chief data officer, Entain
- James Morgan, chief data officer, The Crown Estate
- Sarah Barr-Miller, director of data and AI, British Airways
- Gavin Goodland, chief data officer, National Grid
- Wade Munsie, chief data and AI officer, Heathrow
- Paola Cagliani, group chief data & AI officer, Admiral
Laia Collazos leads the global data and analytics function at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. Laia oversees data platforms, governance, insight services, data product delivery, data science and AI. Laia’s work focuses on creating scalable value to enhance business performance, strengthen customer relationships, and foster a positive workplace environment.
Johanna Hutchinson serves as group chief data officer at BAE Systems. Johanna has delivered large scale data and AI transformations in regulated, mission critical environments. Johanna’s work supports operational performance, resilience, and strategic decision making for a workforce of 90,000 at the FTSE 50 manufacturer.
Karl O’Hanlon directs global data and AI strategy at Veolia, focusing on delivering measurable value for operational and corporate teams. Karl joined the company in 2010 as a data analyst on a London contract and has since applied data insights to improve performance and support decision making.
Gary Goldberg is chief data officer for supply, trading, and shipping at bp plc. Since joining bp in 2019, Gary has developed a data strategy designed to support growth and operational efficiency in complex commercial environments.
Perry Philipp leads the data and AI programme at Entain. Perry’s priorities include delivery, adoption, and long-term business impact. Perry also focuses on mentoring, upskilling, and building communities of practice to promote practical and responsible use of data and AI.
David Reed, chief knowledge officer and Evangelist at DataIQ, said: “Being named in the DataIQ 100 Europe Top 10 reflects a level of influence that goes beyond building strong data functions.”
“These are leaders shaping how their organisations operate, working closely with the C-suite to embed data and AI into strategy, decision-making, and governance. Their impact is felt not just through technology delivery, but through how they help organisations adopt and scale these capabilities responsibly.”
“This year’s Top Ten shows that the role of the data and AI leadership has expanded significantly. It’s no longer just about platforms or analytics. Today’s leaders are responsible for governance, literacy, culture, and adoption across the organisation. The role is becoming far more operational and closely connected to the C-suite as organisations look to scale AI safely and effectively.”
DataIQ also asked the Top 10 leaders about the skills needed for success in 2026. A shared theme was the ability to translate data into tangible business outcomes.
Laia Collazos said: “It is important to recognise that data is much more than just a collection of numbers or a piece of technology. Data serves as a language that articulates how a business operates, reflects the efforts of its people, and provides a means to measure success.”
“By appreciating data in this context, leaders can better align data strategies with the realities and needs of the organisation.”
Johanna Hutchinson said: “Understand the organisational culture and the ‘real’ drivers, not necessarily what is written in the corporate strategy.”
“Be prepared to repeat, repeat, and repeat, not until a concept is recognised and accepted, will it be adopted.”
Karl O’Hanlon said: “It can be relatively easy for data leaders to think of ways to improve processes with AI or data, but translating this to someone from a different mindset is a great skill to have.”
Sarah Barr-Miller said: “I see my job as being part technical, part marketing, part translator, part coach. If you start with the end outcomes, then you will ensure that the work you do delivers tangible business outcomes.”
Wade Munsie said: “To be effective in a modern AI world, being uncomfortable needs to be okay.” Wade added: “AI and data leaders must be ruthlessly focused on value. Creating value is the only way to become sustainable. Cost based services will always come under fire when things get tough.”