Robb Appointed Permanent CEO of Smart Data Foundry
Portfolio - People | Mar 07, 2025 | Business Cloud
Dougie Robb has been confirmed as the permanent CEO of Smart Data Foundry, having previously held the position on an interim basis. Formerly the company's CFO, Robb took on the interim CEO role in May 2024 following Frank Gauld's departure. Robb has played a crucial role in advancing Smart Data Foundry's mission to utilize financial data for societal good, establishing data science and technology teams, and securing data-sharing agreements with major entities like NatWest Group and Sage UK. Under his leadership, the company successfully relocated to Edinburgh Futures Institute and, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, secured £3 million in funding to launch the new Financial Data Service. This initiative promises to enhance financial insights for policymakers and help address societal issues such as poverty and inequality. Dame Julia Unwin, chair of Smart Data Foundry, expressed confidence in Robb's ability to guide the company into a period of significant growth both in the UK and internationally. Robb is enthusiastic about continuing the organization's mission to impact societal challenges positively.
Sectors
- Financial Technology (FinTech)
- Data Science and Analytics
Geography
- United Kingdom – Smart Data Foundry is based in Edinburgh, UK, and has partnerships and initiatives influencing policy and practice within the country.
Industry
- Financial Technology (FinTech) – The article centers around Smart Data Foundry, a company operating within the FinTech industry, focusing on leveraging financial data for societal benefits.
- Data Science and Analytics – Smart Data Foundry's initiatives in establishing data science teams and launching the Financial Data Service align with trends in data science and analytics, impacting policy and decision-making.
Financials
- £3 million – Funding secured by Smart Data Foundry and the University of Edinburgh to establish the Financial Data Service.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Data Foundry | Target Company | Company | An Edinburgh-based FinTech company focused on using financial data for societal benefits. |
| Dougie Robb | CEO | Person | Recently appointed permanent CEO of Smart Data Foundry, previously served as interim CEO and CFO. |
| Frank Gauld | Former CEO | Person | The former CEO of Smart Data Foundry, left to become chief product officer at Poppulo. |
| Dame Julia Unwin | Chair | Person | Chair of Smart Data Foundry, supportive of Robb's leadership and company's future direction. |
| University of Edinburgh | Collaborator | Company | Partnered with Smart Data Foundry to secure funding for the Financial Data Service. |
| NatWest Group | Partner | Company | Involved in early data sharing agreements with Smart Data Foundry. |
| Sage UK | Partner | Company | Involved in early data sharing agreements with Smart Data Foundry. |