Betul Cohaz Deringol

“I concentrated on building trust rather than imposing control”

Part of the Tech Women Celebration 50 – a curated list of some of the most inspirational women working at all levels of tech

Betul Cohaz Deringol - I am a data and analytics leader, with extensive experience driving digital transformation and operational excellence throughout my career in various roles until 2024 where i choose to lean towards delivering tangible value through data-driven decision-making.

As Head of Data & Analytics – Operations, I lead strategic initiatives that unlock business value, enhance efficiency, and foster a culture of innovation. I am passionate about empowering women in technology, and actively championing cognitive diversity, inclusion, and the development of future talent in data, AI, and digital technologies.

I am committed to using technology as a force for positive change and inspiring the next generation of leaders in tech for fact-based decision making.

Tell us about your biggest achievement to date

My proudest achievement has been turning the Data & Analytics Operations team, covering Operations, Procurement and Sustainability, from a traditional reporting function into a strategic partner for the business. The biggest challenge was not the technology, but changing how people worked.

We brought stakeholders together around a shared approach to decision-making, predictive analytics and reusable data products. Moving to Microsoft Fabric in 2024 was an important milestone, making trusted, governed data easier to access across the organisation. At the same time, I invested in developing talent, strengthening governance and creating sustainable ways of working.

Over the past two years, that combination of people, process and technology has built a high-performing capability that delivers measurable value and gives us a strong platform for future innovation and AI adoption. Seeing that ambition become a reality has been hugely rewarding.

What is the most significant challenge you have overcome?

The most significant challenge was changing attitudes towards data ownership and sharing. Many teams understandably felt protective of the data they had built and managed, but that approach also created silos, duplicated work and made it harder to see the bigger picture.

I concentrated on building trust rather than imposing control. We clarified responsibilities, strengthened governance and involved stakeholders in shaping a federated model that worked for them. Regular conversations, practical support and visible results helped move the emphasis from ownership to stewardship.

That shift made our migration to Microsoft Fabric possible and, more importantly, encouraged teams to share governed data products with confidence. The lasting success was bringing people with us and changing habits across the organisation.

Tell us something about you people would find surprising

People are often surprised by how many cultures and perspectives shape my life. I was born in Germany, am a Turkish citizen and now live in London. I am also an engineer and a working mother. Moving between those identities has made me curious about experiences different from my own and reminded me that inclusion takes continual effort. I try to keep learning, test new ideas and listen closely to people who see the world differently.

Sustainability matters deeply to me too. In data and technology, innovation cannot be separated from responsibility, so I look for choices that reduce environmental impact and contribute to a better future for my eight-year-old daughter and the generations that follow.