Interview with FTSE NED Sanjeevan Bala
In this video conversation, NB partner Tanya Gass talks to ITV’s Group Chief Data & AI Officer, Sanjeevan Bala about his experiences in his first NED role at FTSE 250-listed Bakkavor plc.
At ITV, Sanjeevan is responsible for transforming the UK's largest commercial broadcaster and media company to fully leverage the value of Data, AI and Web3 capabilities to create value for Content IP Businesses in how they Produce, Promote, Distribute and Monetise content. In his earlier career, he has spent time across numerous sectors including, Retail, Banking, Pharmaceuticals, Energy and Multi Sided Marketplaces. He has combined his experience in large corporations with building and scaling a number of startups in SIlicon Valley.
Sanjeevan has been recognised as the most influential person in Data (by DataIQ) and a thought leader internationally as his work has won numerous awards, innovations and patents. He also leads and chairs a number of industry communities across Data, AI and Web3 to foster collaboration and adoption.
In 2021, Sanjeevan complemented his executive career with a NED role at Bakkavor where he is also the Designated NED for Workforce Engagement and sits on their ESG committee. He has also recently joined the board of SThree.
Tanya and Sanjeevan talk ‘all things NED’, including:
Aspiring NED Advice
The Journey from HRD to NED
NB’s Global HR Practice Lead, Annabel Hooton, recently hosted a dinner for HR leaders with Helena Feltham, a HR expert with over 30 years’ experience in the consumer-facing and HR leadership space and over 5 years acting as a NED.
Currently serving as an independent NED for Hostmore Plc (the proprietor of the TGI Fridays chain) Helena's pedigree also includes non-executive tenures with the NHS, Retail Trust, and more recently as the Interim Chair of Ted Baker and NED at Redcentric plc. In this article, Annabel summaries Helena’s guidance on transitioning to Board roles.