easyJet is proud to be partnering with Women in Data® as part of our ongoing commitment to driving inclusion, diversity, and wellbeing, across our business and the wider industry.
Through this partnership, and in support of our Women in Technology Colleague agenda, we’re opening up new pathways for women in technology, whether that’s by showcasing role models, creating networking opportunities, or building the confidence to take the next step in their career.
By encouraging more women to pursue careers in data science, analytics, and technology, we’re helping to remove potential barriers, widen the pipeline of diverse talent, and ensure women feel supported to join, grow, and thrive at easyJet.
This collaboration not only fuels innovation and supports our ambitious data transformation strategy but also shines a light on the incredible women already shaping the future of tech, while inspiring the next generation to see what’s possible.
Together, we’re not just changing careers, we’re helping to change the face of technology for good.
Over its 30-year history, easyJet has seen data become increasingly vital to its operations and growth. From its early days using basic systems to manage bookings and flight schedules, easyJet has evolved to harness data for everything from route planning to enhancing customer experience and marketing. Today, data is at the heart of easyJet’s strategy, driving innovation and efficiency across the business.
What does this tell us? Data has never been more crucial in the airline and holiday sector and will continue to grow in importance for organisations in the coming years. It’s essential for easyJet to deeply understand its operational performance, market trends, customer preferences, supply chains, and its employees to remain competitive in an ever-evolving landscape. Central to this is having a skilled, diverse, and data-literate workforce that can meet these demands. Therefore, as an industry, we need to focus on training, developing, and enhancing the UK’s data capabilities from a people, culture, and diversity perspective.
Over the next five years, easyJet will strive to continue driving the data revolution in air travel and holidays, creating the next generation of customer experiences. This includes enhancing personalisation through better data insights, optimising flight operations with advanced analytics, and leveraging AI and machine learning for predictive maintenance and improved customer service, all while reinforcing a data-driven culture where data-informed decision-making is the norm.
easyJet is one of Europe’s largest airlines offering a unique and winning combination of the best route network connecting Europe’s primary airports with great value fares and friendly service. easyJet flies on more of Europe’s most popular routes than any other airline and carried more than 100 million passengers in 2024. The airline has over 355 aircraft flying on over 1,207 routes to more than 164 airports across 38 countries. Over 300 million Europeans live within one hour’s drive of an easyJet airport.
easyJet aims to be a good corporate citizen, employing people on local contracts in nine countries across Europe in full compliance with national laws and recognising their trade unions. The airline supports several local charities and has a corporate partnership with UNICEF which has raised over £17m for the most vulnerable children since it was established in 2012.
In 2022, easyJet published its roadmap to net zero by 2050. The roadmap, which also features a combination of fleet renewal, operational efficiencies, airspace modernisation, Sustainable Aviation Fuel and carbon removal technology, has set an ambitious interim carbon emissions intensity reduction target of 35% by 2035, validated by the Science-based targets initiative (SBTi).
Innovation is in easyJet’s DNA – since launching nearly 30 years ago, easyJet changed the way people fly to the present day where the airline leads the industry in digital and operational innovations to make travel more easy and affordable for its passengers. In 2023 easyJet was named by TIME as one of the World’s Best Companies and a Leader in Diversity 2024 by The Financial Times.
A bit about me….
I spent most of my career living and working in the United States before relocating to London for my role at easyJet. I enjoy hiking, paddle sports, and travel. I’ve also been actively involved in mentoring students and young professionals, and I’m passionate about helping others learn and grow.
I joined easyJet as Chief Data and Technology Officer in February 2025. As a seasoned technology leader, I have a strong track record of transforming digital customer experiences while enhancing the resilience of legacy systems.
Before joining easyJet, I served as Chief Strategy and Digital Transformation Officer at PODS Enterprises. Prior to that, I was Chief Information Officer at Hertz, where I led the IT strategy and oversaw the delivery and implementation of a large-scale cloud-based systems transformation. Earlier in my career, I held roles as Divisional CIO and Vice President of Technology & Strategic Ventures at Allstate Insurance Company, one of the largest insurers in the United States.
Why did you join easyJet?
An iconic UK brand with a strong customer-focused culture and a history of tech-enabled innovation. There is an exciting opportunity to leverage technology and data to drive continued growth and enhance customer satisfaction, in a setting where the impact of our work can be seen quickly.
What do you like most about easyJet?
What I like most about easyJet is our people and our Orange Spirit. There’s a real sense of teamwork and mutual support, with colleagues from many different backgrounds working together toward shared goals. It creates a dynamic, inclusive culture that makes it a great place to work.
I also really enjoy being part of our fantastic network. With so many flights operating every day across a wide range of exciting destinations, it’s genuinely fun to travel with easyJet — both in the air and on the ground. Visiting our operations at various airports across Europe and beyond gives me a firsthand view of the impact and opportunities created by our work in data and technology.
Most of all, I find it incredibly rewarding to solve meaningful problems using data and technology. Being able to make a tangible difference through innovation and smart solutions is what drives me every day.
A bit about me:
My career in IT began with an after-school job, where I programmed eProms for dumb terminals and repaired IT equipment down to the component level, prior to the advent of surface mount technology. After several years as a field service engineer, I transitioned into technical recruitment for the IT sector. I eventually found my niche in IT service delivery, working across the Banking, Retail, and Aviation sectors.
I joined easyJet in 2018 as an IT Service Delivery Manager for Operations. I joined as seeing what I contribute towards each day through the close connection with our crew and customers at the airport was so appealing and seemed like a rewarding place to work.
I’m passionate about simplifying IT to enhance our colleagues’ productivity through the platforms and products managed by my team. My approach focuses on making technology accessible and effective, ensuring our services consistently make IT easier for everyone.
Over the years, I’ve mentored a number of colleagues—both formally and informally—and I continue to enjoy supporting others in their development. I’m also the ITLT sponsor for our IDTAG team, and I actively participate in supporting our colleague networks whenever I can.
What do I like most about easyJet
My favourite thing about working for easyJet is the people and the fast pace, no two days are the same. We work hard and we have a great team that keep each day fun and rewarding. I’ve never worked anywhere quite like it before.
A bit about me:
I have undergraduate degrees in Economics and Mathematics, as well as a master’s degree in Statistics. I “fell into” revenue management right out of school—at the time, they were looking for people with strong math backgrounds. I quickly discovered a passion for aviation revenue management and have been working in the field for over 30 years, across a variety of airlines.
I’m originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and spent the majority of my career in the U.S. In early 2020, I made the leap across the pond to join easyJet, which has been an exciting and rewarding chapter both professionally and personally.
I’ve been married for 20 years and have two daughters—Amanda, who is 19, and Mylo, who is 17. Travel has always been a big part of our lives and was one of the main reasons we moved to Europe. We wanted to explore the continent and expose our kids to different cultures and experiences.
Outside of work, I love all things water-related. I’ve been boating my entire life and enjoy kayaking, swimming, and scuba diving. I’m also an animal lover. We currently have a 12-year-old cat, and while we’ve had dogs for most of our marriage, we’re currently taking a short break—but we’re hoping to adopt another rescue dog within the year.
Why did I join easyJet?
We wanted to move to Europe as a family, and I specifically chose easyJet because of its culture. When I went for the interview, I immediately felt welcomed and connected with the people, and that initial feeling has continued ever since. I truly believe easyJet has some of the most talented and capable people in the industry. They are also incredibly friendly and supportive. Even during challenging periods at work, people consistently support one another. I also believe that easyJet, as a company, genuinely cares about its people.
I was drawn to the job description because it reflected so much of what I believe a Revenue Management professional’s role should be. It was forward-thinking, open to experimentation, and willing to change things up to get the right results.
easyJet is a huge operation, flying across Europe and North Africa, and the possibilities for travel are immense.
What do I like most about easyJet
I would continue to say that it’s the people, the overall culture, and the constant desire to improve that stand out the most.
My initial impressions of the people were spot on – everyone is supportive, smart, and committed to driving change.
We are always focused on improving our data, working hard, and investing in achieving the right data quality. Additionally, I lead a team of data scientists and data professionals who are some of the best in the business. I have a really ambitious vision, and I couldn’t achieve it without the dedication and effort of my team.
A bit about me….
I am a Senior Data Scientist with combined interests in optimisation, AI, and aerospace. At easyJet, I’ve applied my expertise to optimise gauge assignment. Prior to this, I worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Cranfield University, where I was part of a team pioneering Future Flight projects focused on developing safe multi-UAV systems.
Why did you join easyJet?
I joined easyJet because I wanted to apply my expertise in data science and optimisation to real-world challenges in the aviation industry. As the UK’s largest airline, easyJet offers a great platform to experiment with new ideas while making a direct commercial impact.
What do I like most about easyJet
What I like most is seeing the direct impact of my work on business outcomes, as well as the innovative mindset of the company and its people. Airlines, as part of a traditional industry, face many restrictions and regulations when it comes to innovation, so I especially appreciate that easyJet has been ‘Bold’ in introducing new ideas.
Iman ElMehdawy- Group Manager, Information Management and Compliance Service
I hold a Master of Science in Molecular Parasitology. Part of my course involved learning about bioinformatics and how to handle vast amounts of biological data (DNA). This is when I developed an appreciation of how data can and does change lives. Getting involved in the transfer of information caught by the Public Records Act to the National Archives opened my eyes on the wealth of data left to us, from the Doomsday Book to the World War Two datasets and how valuable this data is.
In my current position at the ICO, I manage data to optimise our use of datasets and information while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and established best practices. My role also covers data governance tasks such as creating policies, procedures and guidance relating to information and data management. I am starting to get involved in governance of AI as well.
It is refreshing to feel valued and celebrated as a woman working in data. I look forward to getting involved with Women in Data and helping to encourage more access and give more confidence to women to advance their careers in data.
Helen Sunderland- Assurance Support Officer
After studying Business, I began my career in education in a senior administrative role which included managing school data. Initially, there was a reliance on paper records and limited digital school information management systems options. Over time, we adopted advanced MIS and biometric systems, increasing the volume and types of data we managed, along with the need for consent.
After gaining CIPD qualifications, I transitioned to HR, handling employee records and using performance metrics to evaluate recruitment practices and HR initiatives. I then moved into hospitality and event management, utilising data for resource allocation, identifying cost inefficiencies and reconciliation processes to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
Next, I worked in a project coordination role in an interior design company, using data for project scheduling, coordination and budget management.
Over three years ago, I joined the ICO, the UK’s Data Protection Regulator, in the Assurance directorate. As a Local Information Management Officer for the department, I promote data protection compliance and accountability responsibilities; I also manage the department’s Management Information and EDRM. I am currently undertaking the task of building a new MI and reporting platform.
More recently, I obtained an ISC2 cybersecurity qualification and undertook a secondment within our Regulatory Cyber directorate. I engaged with Cyber Security Insurance providers to establish data sharing with the intention to use claims data to get a better understanding of the cost of cybercrimes. This information will help us to understand resilience across sectors, the types of vulnerabilities which are likely to lead to the costliest attacks and the steps needed to recover. Additionally, I have been involved in cyber intelligence work around the use of biometrics in schools, which has taken me back full circle to the start of my career.
Outside of work, I enjoy strength training, hiking, reading and theatre.
Alison O’Connor
Head of Economic Analysis – Impact and Evaluation
I’m Head of Economic Analysis at the ICO with 15 years’ experience in data intensive roles across both the public and private sectors. As an economist, data is at the heart of everything I do. It enables my team and me to move beyond assumptions and anecdotes to uncover meaningful patterns, test hypotheses, and measure real-world impact. I have always enjoyed working with data because it brings clarity to complexity, it helps create understanding about not just what is happening, but why.
At the ICO, I oversee and provide leadership on work related to impact considerations and measurement. Data is central in my role to empowering others to make informed and impactful decisions, drawing on evidence and insight, and understanding the impacts of our interventions to ensure that we are making a material positive difference. Whether I’m evaluating the effectiveness of a policy intervention or exploring economic trends, I find satisfaction in using data to generate insights that inform decisions and drive positive change.
As a leader, I am proud to champion the use of data and to support others in unlocking its potential. Given my own career journey with data, it is important to me support other women in data to connect, learn and grow in their careers.
