Emma is the Director of Corporate Affairs at the Open Data Institute (ODI). She is the founder and Executive Chair of Allegory – a strategic communications consultancy working with technology and data clients – and a member of the advisory board for London Data Week. Emma has 30+ years of experience in leadership roles, having begun her career as a journalist and news editor in the BBC before serving nine years as a senior civil servant, leading strategic communications at the UK Cabinet Office. Emma’s projects included working on digital consultation and engagement programmes, and prototyping for the Government Digital Service. She has a first degree in English and HIstory from the University of Manchester and postgraduate qualifications in journalism and business. She has worked as an executive leadership coach and facilitator for the Work Foundation and is a regular presenter, speaker, MC and facilitator of events and podcasts. Her most recent were hosting the Open Data Track at #SOOCON23 and The Data Decade podcast for the ODI.

Twitter @emmathwaites

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-thwaites-33611517/