Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Matthew Dalby

Matthew Dalby

Data & AI Compliance Director
Howden

Summary

Strategic and commercially astute leader with extensive experience in governance, data protection, and AI compliance across global markets including the UK, US, Europe, AMEA, and India. Proven track record of embedding compliance into operational culture, negotiating high-value contracts, and leading large-scale, multi-stakeholder programmes. A fast learner and pragmatic problem solver, known for building high-performing teams, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, and delivering resilient, values-driven outcomes in dynamic environments.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Data & AI Compliance Director

BT Group
08.2020 - Current
  • Cultivated strong relationships with regulatory bodies, suppliers, and clients to ensure alignment with data and AI compliance standards.
  • Spearheaded enterprise-wide risk assessments, driving improvements in business processes, internal controls, and AI governance frameworks.
  • Conducted regular gap analyses to identify compliance vulnerabilities, leading to continuous enhancements to the data and AI compliance program.
  • Oversaw all compliance operations, including regulatory reporting, internal audits, and assurance activities.
  • Delivered strategic insights through detailed reports to senior leadership and audit committees, highlighting key issues, and actionable recommendations.
  • Directed incident response teams in handling complex data and cybersecurity breaches, including ransomware; led post-incident reviews, GDPR/PECR reporting, dark web investigations, media coordination, and contractual risk resolution.

Risk & Compliance Director

BT Group
04.2016 - 08.2020
  • Led the design and execution of the enterprise risk and compliance strategy, aligned with the UK Corporate Governance Code and regulatory standards.
  • Directed cross-functional risk identification and mitigation efforts, embedding a proactive risk culture across the organisation.
  • Owned and delivered the annual assurance plan, overseeing audits, and reporting to senior executives and committees.
  • Championed ethical conduct and compliance awareness through behavioural training and stakeholder engagement.
  • Provided oversight across key assurance areas, including data privacy, regulatory obligations for Ofcom and the FCA, business continuity, and security.

Head of International Regulatory Compliance

BT Group
03.2014 - 04.2016
  • Designed and led a global compliance program, ensuring adherence to telecoms licensing obligations across 197 jurisdictions.
  • Implemented tailored, risk-based compliance monitoring and testing aligned to varying regulatory maturities.
  • Provided strategic regulatory advice, led investigations into non-compliance, and managed enforcement responses.
  • Partnered with senior executives to deliver program oversight and risk reporting at a global scale.

Strategy, Commercial and Operational Leadership

Various Roles
03.2004 - 02.2012
  • Held senior leadership roles across infrastructure strategy, operational delivery, and commercial governance, driving large-scale transformation and performance improvement.
  • Led a team of 1,200 network planners at Openreach, optimizing infrastructure workflows and delivery across national programs.
  • Developed and executed a £2 billion network deployment strategy, including the Superfast Cornwall initiative—one of the fastest broadband rollouts globally, reaching 95% of premises.
  • Negotiated complex commercial agreements with government stakeholders to secure funding and regulatory alignment for strategic infrastructure programs.
  • Directed end-to-end retail operations at DFS, including sales, customer service, logistics, and budget control, while leading commercial negotiations with manufacturers to optimize supply chain value.
  • Partnered with cross-functional stakeholders to align strategic planning with commercial outcomes, enhancing delivery efficiency, and customer impact.

Education

Professional Study - Big Data & AI

Tilburg University
Tilburg
04.2001 -

Advanced Diploma - International Risk, Governance & Compliance

International Compliance Association
Manchester, United Kingdom
06-2021

Skills

Strategic leadership

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

Behavioral Compliance

Commercial negotiation

Operational Excellence

Risk Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Data & AI Governance

Timeline

Data & AI Compliance Director

BT Group
08.2020 - Current

Risk & Compliance Director

BT Group
04.2016 - 08.2020

Head of International Regulatory Compliance

BT Group
03.2014 - 04.2016

Strategy, Commercial and Operational Leadership

Various Roles
03.2004 - 02.2012

Professional Study - Big Data & AI

Tilburg University
04.2001 -

Advanced Diploma - International Risk, Governance & Compliance

International Compliance Association

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Matthew DalbyData & AI Compliance Director