In this episode of the Boss N’ Data Podcast, Joshua Smith is joined by Rich Hunt, Director of Data & Insight at Openreach, to unpack what it really takes to lead data teams through constant change.

Openreach’s team has won DataIQ Best Data & AI Team of 2025 and in this episode, Rich shares how Openreach approaches transformation, from moving to a hub-and-spoke analytics model, to navigating a major migration and keeping teams focused on outcomes.

They dig into the realities data leaders face: long timelines, rising costs, stakeholder skepticism, and the risk of data teams becoming detached from business value.

They also discuss GenAI skepticism vs hype, and why building change resilience is now part of the job.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand:

• What Openreach does and why its data challenges are uniquely complex
• How to structure data teams to stay close to decision-making while scaling capability
• How to defend long-term data investment when ROI isn’t instant
• How to keep data work relevant: translating business priorities into data-led impact
• Agentic AI: cutting through hype and skepticism
• What change resilience looks like inside a complex, regulated organisation.
• Practical advice for leading teams through change
• The next big shift for data leaders to prepare teams for

Disclaimer: The views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.

About the Guest

Rich Hunt is the Director of Data & Insight at Openreach, a senior data leader with 16+ years’ experience. He leads end-to-end data capability and has been accountable for connecting business strategy to data-led solutions, including leading Openreach’s migration to cloud and supporting cultural change around data. Openreach’s team has won DataIQ Best Data & AI Team of 2025.

👉 Connect with Rich Hunt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huntr/

About Your Host

Joshua Smith has been a Data and AI talent specialist since 2011. He is Sales Director at MBN Solutions, responsible for leading and supporting the growth and diversification of MBN’s client portfolio, and building MBN’s position as a leading Data & AI talent consultancy across the UK, Europe, and US.

Explore industry updates and the latest in data and AI talent on MBN Solutions’ LinkedIn page.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.