Data science pioneer Clive Humby OBE, who co-founded the global consumer insights company behind the Tesco Clubcard, will be speaking at the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference in January 2027.
Clive will present on January 26 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon, sharing his expertise on data strategy, consumer behaviour and how businesses can use data to drive transformative competitive advantage.
GCA Chairman and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, Ben Harrison, says: “Clive is widely recognised as a pioneer in customer analytics and data science and brings with him an incredible depth of knowledge and experience gained over more than four decades.
“His insight into how businesses can harness data to better understand customers and shape strategy will be hugely valuable to our members.”
Clive is perhaps best known for coining the phrase ‘Data is the New Oil’ in 1996, reflecting his long-standing influence on the way organisations approach and utilise data.
With more than 45 years’ experience working across 30 global markets, he has advised boards, governments and senior leadership teams on data strategy, analytics and business transformation.
Together with his business partner, Edwina Dunn, he co-founded dunnhumby, the global consumer insights company behind the Tesco Clubcard and loyalty programmes for retailers including Kroger. The business revolutionised how transaction data is used within the retail and FMCG sectors before expanding into banking, telecommunications and other consumer-facing industries.
Clive was also one of the creators of ACORN, the UK’s first geodemographic segmentation tool, and continues to be at the forefront of developments in consumer data science, including motivation-based segmentation and behavioural analytics.
Ben explains: “Clive’s work has shaped the modern data landscape and his perspective on the role of data in understanding customers and driving growth will resonate strongly with our members.”
Alongside his industry work, Clive is Visiting Professor of Data & Information Science at The University of Sheffield, where he focuses on areas including data ethics, artificial intelligence in consumer engagement and machine learning in behavioural analytics. He is also an advocate of responsible data use, with a strong focus on consumer choice, transparency and privacy.
In recognition of his contribution to data and industry, Clive was awarded an OBE in 2019. He also holds honorary fellowships across leading professional bodies and has been recognised for his impact on marketing, research and operational disciplines.
GCA CEO, Peter Burks adds: “Clive brings a wealth of insight into one of the most important areas shaping modern business. Understanding customers has never been more critical and his expertise will help our members think differently about how they use data within their own organisations.
“Our 2027 conference programme is continuing to take shape with a strong and diverse range of speakers and we’re looking forward to sharing more announcements soon.”
The GCA’s annual conference regularly attracts hundreds of members from across the UK, offering opportunities to hear from leading speakers, gain industry insight and network with peers.
The leading industry body represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide and, through sharing information and its inspection programme, helps members achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.
For further information and to buy tickets, please visit the GCA’s online members’ section: www.gca.org.uk. There’s an early bird 10% discount available for those booking before the end of July.
