Alex Steer

I'm a global marketing data, AI and technology lead with experience turning data into commercial value for large and complex organisations. I have a strong track record of applying data and AI to create scalable, meaningful change for global marketers, leading new business, and transforming agency offers and operations.

EMPLOYMENT

2026-present: Chief Data Officer, WPP.

I lead WPP's data solution, Open Intelligence, as part of its data and technology solutions division.

2024-26: Global Chief Data Officer, WPP Media.

I led WPP Media's data strategy, including its client data and analytics offer and and the development of its data solution.

2020-24: Global Chief Data Officer, VML (formerly Wunderman Thompson).

I ran the data, analytics and AI capability for the world's largest creative agency (first for EMEA, then global), with 1,000 data and analytics specialists, including the development of our data proposition, and data strategy for our largest global clients and prospects.

2018-20: Chief Product Officer, Wavemaker, London.

I ran the digital media, insight and advanced analytics practices for Wavemaker UK, led data strategy for major UK and global clients, and was global product owner for the agency's media planning and activation tools.

2015-2017: Head of Data and Technology; Chief Strategy Officer, Maxus, London.

I ran the agency's marketing effectiveness practice, broadened this out into a wider data and technology, and led data and advanced analytics on key UK clients; then oversaw its media strategy, planning and data capabilities.

2011-15: Strategy Director; Head of Product and Analytics, Fabric Worldwide, London.

Fabric was WPP Digital's data-driven marketing startup. I was strategy lead on our biggest digital marketing accounts (KFC, Heineken), then ran our product and analytics division building marketing data management platforms for GSK, Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive and others.

2010-11: Strategy Consultant, Kantar, New York.

Research-based marketing strategy and innovation consulting, with a specific focus on emerging digital and social media, technology and data.

2009-10: Strategic Planner, Ogilvy, Cape Town.

Account planning across integrated advertising, PR and digital accounts; developing brand positionings, portfolio strategies and communications plans; monitoring and advising on market and consumer trends.

2009-12: Marketing Fellow, WPP.

WPP's global leadership development programme, consisting of three year-long rotations in WPP group companies across different disciplines and markets (Ogilvy, Kantar, Fabric, above).

2008-09: Tutor in English Language and Linguistics, The Open University, London.

Taught the history, use and theory of the English language to undergraduate students (part-time).

2008-09: Analyst, New Philanthropy Capital, London.

Advised donors, funders and charities on how to achieve and demonstrate greater social impact from their activities; planned and wrote reports on charities' work in the education and young people's sector; analysed charities' activities, results and finances and recommended funding priorities.

2006-08: Tutor in English Language and Literature, Oxford University.

Taught English language and medieval/early modern literature papers to Oxford University undergraduates as an external tutor at Mansfield, Regents Park, St Edmund Hall and Worcester Colleges.

2006-08: Assistant Editor, Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford University Press.

Researched the history and development of the English language; wrote and edited dictionary entries; trained editors and researchers on research methods and new technologies; advised on specialist areas of lexicography and historical bibliography (especially early English).

EDUCATION