Best Fractional Chief Data Officer Services in UK

UK Outsourced Chief Data Officer Agencies

In the UK’s data-driven economy, companies are no longer treating data as just an IT concern; it's a core asset. Yet for many growing businesses, hiring a full-time Chief Data Officer (CDO) isn’t practical or even necessary. That’s where fractional CDOs come in: experienced data leaders who embed themselves within organisations to drive strategy, governance, and value without the cost or permanence of a full-time role.

This blog introduces a curated list of standout fractional, part-time, and virtual Chief Data Officer providers in the UK, all of whom are founder-led, results-focused, and deeply aligned with Digital Reference’s emphasis on radical authenticity and transparency.

🧭 Methodology: How We Selected These Providers

At Digital Reference, we believe the best CDOs don’t just manage data—they lead transformation. Our team selected each provider using the following research-driven criteria:

✅ UK-based leadership with C-level data expertise

✅ Positive client impact backed by visible frameworks or case studies

✅ Founder- or principal-led services (not just an agency listing)

✅ Demonstrated experience across analytics, governance, and insight delivery

✅ Alignment with growth-stage, private equity-backed, or digital-native companies

These providers aren’t ranked; they each bring something unique to the table. Let’s dig into what makes them stand out.

Fractional Chief Data Officer Services 🔦 Provider Spotlights

Hopton Analytics

🔗 Website: https://www.hoptonanalytics.com/

What they do:
Hopton Analytics delivers fractional Chief Data Officer services, specialising in the development of enterprise-grade data strategies, governance structures, and performance analytics for UK organisations. Their focus is on helping businesses establish trusted data foundations, implement GDPR-compliant practices, and evolve from siloed reporting to actionable, business-aligned insight systems all without the overhead of a full-time CDO team.

Who they work with:
SaaS companies, healthcare groups, and regulated sectors with compliance needs.

Operating model:
Embedded fractional support, analytics transformation leadership, and audit-to-action engagement plans.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Known for GDPR-aligned data governance frameworks
• Experience driving data culture change at board level
• Strong credentials in public and private sector digital transformation
  

Simon Devine, Founder, Hopton Analytics

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simondevine/

Simon is a seasoned data executive who blends C-level strategy with hands-on delivery. He’s known for cutting through data complexity and getting organisations aligned around clear, actionable insights. With a background in NHS and private sector leadership, Simon brings gravitas, clarity, and direction to his CDO engagements.

Kellerton

🔗 Website: https://www.kellerton.co.uk/

What they do:
Kellerton provides end-to-end data leadership, including the design and implementation of data strategies, governance frameworks, and analytics operating models tailored to mid-market and growth-stage businesses. Their services help companies move from fragmented reporting and unclear ownership to a centralised, insight-driven data culture that supports decision-making at scale..

Who they work with:
Tech firms, professional services, and finance-sector innovators.

Operating model:
A blend of workshops, toolkits, and fractional executive support tailored to organisational maturity.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Offers modular data maturity assessments
• Experienced with both in-house and client-facing data models
• Known for making data strategy accessible to non-technical teams
  

Chris Kwouk, Founder, Kellerton

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-kwouk-0471555/

Chris has held senior data and technology roles at top consultancies and knows how to bring data leadership into any organisation without the jargon. His approach is collaborative, focused, and deeply rooted in practical change over theoretical frameworks. Clients praise his ability to unlock value fast.

Hecaton Consulting

🔗 Website: https://www.hecaton.consulting/

What they do:
Hecaton provides CDO-as-a-Service, enabling organisations to design, execute, and scale data strategies that are directly tied to commercial outcomes. Their services cover everything from data governance frameworks and architecture planning to building modern analytics functions and embedding data-driven decision-making across teams. Hecaton specialises in transforming companies with low data maturity into insight-led, agile businesses prepared for long-term growth.

Who they work with:
Retail, eCommerce, and AI-driven product companies.

Operating model:
End-to-end data capability building—from strategy and architecture to insight generation.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Clear specialism in data product thinking and agile delivery
• Well-articulated maturity model with structured implementation pathways
• Works closely with CTOs and product leads, not just IT
  

Alex Leathard, Founder, Hecaton

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexleathard/

Alex is a data strategy leader with 20+ years in advanced analytics, big data, and cloud. He’s known for taking companies from zero to insight-driven, guiding them through the data fog with clarity and urgency. His frameworks are direct, proven, and built for growth.

Register Dynamics

🔗 Website: https://www.register-dynamics.co.uk/

What they do:
Register Dynamics delivers fractional data leadership, combining strategic audits, transformation roadmaps, and specialised data governance consulting to help organisations navigate complex regulatory, operational, and ethical data challenges. Their work often involves designing data governance models, conducting maturity assessments, and supporting large-scale data reforms particularly within organisations where data is sensitive, high-stakes, or mission-critical.

Who they work with:
Highly regulated industries, particularly government, legal, and infrastructure.

Operating model:
Consultancy-led, with a focus on maturity assessments and governance design.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Deep experience in public sector data reform
• Trusted on projects involving sensitive and critical infrastructure
• Offers an ethical, governance-first lens on data leadership
  

Simon Worthington, Founder, Register Dynamics

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-worthington/

Simon is a veteran of the UK’s open data movement, with extensive experience in public sector reform, data governance frameworks, and ethical data use. He’s led initiatives across government and infrastructure sectors, where data is both sensitive and mission-critical. Known for his ability to balance regulatory compliance with practical innovation, Simon brings a rare mix of strategic clarity and operational realism to every engagement helping organisations move confidently from data chaos to control. 

Modular Data

🔗 Website: https://modulardata.co.uk/

What they do:
Modular Data is a boutique data consultancy that provides fractional Chief Data Officer services, with a strong focus on data engineering strategy, platform architecture, and delivery oversight. They help tech-driven businesses build scalable, modern data infrastructures covering everything from data pipelines and warehousing to team structuring and DevOps alignment. Their approach is especially valuable for companies needing hands-on leadership to bridge strategy and execution in complex technical environments.

Who they work with:
Startups, scale-ups, and data-intensive tech platforms.

Operating model:
Technical and strategic leadership with interim and project-based CDO services.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Skilled at aligning engineering teams with strategic goals
• Deep experience in data mesh and modern architecture
• Combines leadership with implementation oversight
  

Finbarr Murphy, Founder, Modular Data

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finbarrmurphyuk/

Finbarr is a data specialist who’s spent years translating between CTOs, analysts, and business owners. He brings a clear-headed, no-BS approach to helping companies fix their data bottlenecks and get more from their platforms. His strength lies in bridging the gap between theory and shipping code.

Privacy Helper

🔗 Website: https://www.privacyhelper.co.uk/

What they do:
Privacy Helper supports small and mid-sized UK businesses with practical, accessible guidance on GDPR compliance, data protection regulations, and information security best practices. Acting in a fractional or retained Chief Data Officer capacity, they help organisations build privacy-by-design processes, draft clear data policies, train internal teams, and reduce risk exposure. Their services are designed to demystify legal obligations and make compliance a proactive, business-enabling function—not a reactive burden. 

Who they work with:
SMEs, nonprofits, and founder-led teams needing compliance confidence.

Operating model:
Affordable, fixed-fee services designed to embed privacy into everyday processes.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Simplifies GDPR for teams without legal departments
• Known for training, coaching, and low-jargon policies
• Strong advocate of privacy by design
  

Andy Chesterman, Founder, Privacy Helper

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-chesterman-261bb26/

Andy has built his reputation on trust and clarity. A former compliance lead turned founder, he’s helped hundreds of companies navigate GDPR without fear. His philosophy? Privacy shouldn’t be a blocker, it should be a business strength.

🎯 Final Word: The UK’s Data Future Is Fractional

Data is no longer a side project or IT function it’s core to competitive advantage. And as this list shows, fractional Chief Data Officers are leading the charge in helping companies navigate governance, unlock insight, and build sustainable data capabilities.

What unites these providers?
They’re not just advisors—they’re embedded, proactive leaders. They bring boardroom clarity, technical fluency, and a rare ability to guide organisations through data uncertainty with confidence.

At Digital Reference, we believe in showcasing providers who operate with:

• Radical authenticity – no jargon, no gatekeeping
• Transparent value – clear outcomes, upfront pricing, open playbooks
• Real-world credibility – leaders with stories, results, and track records
  
  

If you're a founder, CTO, or board member navigating your next data decision—this list is your starting point.

Digital Reference is the go-to editorial platform for discovering trusted, values-aligned fractional leadership across tech, legal, and operations. Our mission: shine a light on the real people moving modern business forward.

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