Chris Leemans

Over two and a half decades in retail, Chris has seen trends come and go. The key is to adapt. Early on, Chris transitioned from traditional business operations to the dynamic world of business intelligence.

His journey into BI began with a simple curiosity about data. Chris started exploring how data could improve business flows, leading to more informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Throughout his career, improving business processes has been a constant goal. Whether optimizing supply chains or enhancing customer experiences, there’s always room for improvement. Building and extending data warehouses has been a cornerstone of his work. A solid data warehouse is critical for reliable BI. It’s like having a sturdy foundation for a house—you can build amazing things on top of it.

Moving data warehouses into the Azure cloud was a game-changer. It provided scalability, flexibility, and enhanced data processing capabilities. Embracing cloud technology is crucial in today’s data-driven world. Effective BI is a team effort. Chris has worked closely with various departments to ensure that the data solutions are built to meet the business's needs. Clear communication and collaboration were vital.

A guiding principle has been making decisions based on data rather than intuition. Data provides a factual basis for strategy and helps achieve better outcomes. The BI field is constantly evolving. Staying updated with the latest tools, technologies, and methodologies is essential. Continuous learning has been a big part of his journey.

Mentoring and helping others understand the power of data has been incredibly rewarding. Sharing knowledge not only helps others grow but also reinforces your understanding.

Finally, it’s important to celebrate the wins, no matter how small. Every successful project, business flow improvement, and data warehousing innovation is a step forward.

Chris is grateful for the opportunities to innovate and drive change through data. Here’s to many more years of learning and growth in the ever-evolving world of business intelligence.

Outside of work, he believes in living life to the fullest. Chris is passionate about good food and drinks and is always eager to explore new culinary delights and unique flavours. Walking and travelling are his ways to unwind and discover new places and cultures—there's always something new to learn from different parts of the world. Being around his family and friends is a top priority; their support and company are invaluable, whether it's during lively get-togethers or quiet evenings at home. Additionally, Chris has a competitive streak when it comes to darts. He enjoys playing and competing, constantly honing his skills and embracing the thrill of the game.

Chris will join element61 in September 2024.