Hiring a Director of Data Engineering for a PE backed, B2B data pricing company

The Challenge

Following its acquisition by Rothschild, Expana was undergoing a significant transformation, modernising its data capabilities to support the next phase of growth.

They needed a senior leader to take ownership of the Data Engineering function and set the strategic direction for future expansion. This wasn’t just about technical skill, they needed someone with the ability to operate across leadership and investor groups, and hands-on leadership experience to shape a growing team.

The role involved leading the design and implementation of a new Data Lake, partnering with Data Science and Product teams on LLM/GenAI adoption, and contributing to long-term data strategy at board level.

With a clear path to VP/CDO, this was a critical appointment for Expana and getting it right meant finding someone with the right blend of vision, delivery, and influence.

The Solution

High-trust relationship

Having placed candidates with Expana’s VP of Engineering before, we were brought in to lead this crucial search.

Diversity and precision

Speed was key for this hire. Leveraging our database and internal networks, we quickly identified an initial shortlist of 6 candidates to kickstart the process. As the search progressed, we expanded our reach into the wider market to refine and strengthen the talent pool.

We sourced candidates from leading data-driven organisations, with 38% of submitted CVs coming from women, supporting a more diverse hiring pipeline.

Strategic candidate matching

We focused on leaders with experience across Monzo, JustEat, Treatwell and more, ensuring culture and tech match.

The Results

Expana secured a top-tier technical leader with a track record of representing Data Engineering teams at some of London’s most renowned tech businesses.

With his expertise steering their Data Engineering growth strategy and his industry gravitas attracting top talent, Expana is set for an exciting next phase.

"Throughout the recruiting process, they displayed an exceptional level of honesty, openness, and transparency. Nick & the team's insights were invaluable, not only in securing my current role but also in providing ongoing support to build my teams effectively. Their deep understanding of the market and keen ability to match the right candidate with the right opportunity have significantly contributed to my professional success.

Burns Sheehan's dedication goes beyond the typical recruiter-candidate relationship; they have been instrumental in helping me navigate the industry landscape, offering valuable advice and strategies. I wholeheartedly recommend Nick Wright & the team to anyone seeking a truly supportive and insightful recruitment agency. Their commitment to excellence sets them apart in the industry."

- Successful Candidate, 2025.