Harriet Barr, Head of Business Development & Strategy, National Security, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence

Harriet Barr, Head of Business Development & Strategy, National Security, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence (Twenty in Data & Tech Series 7)

A true leader in her field, Harriet has spent over 20 years working across the digital, security and cyber sectors in a range of technical and consulting data roles. Throughout her career, her work has delivered real-world impact, directly contributing to the safety and resilience of the country.

She is currently a Head of Business Development & Strategy at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence in the National Security domain, where she leads the sale of cyber, digital and data capabilities for customers. Prior to this, she led Data and AI capability provision for National Security, a role she proactively created having identified the increasing strategic importance of data to her clients’ businesses.

Alongside her day-to-day responsibilities, Harriet is dedicated to addressing the systemic barriers that prevent more women from progressing in the industry. She plays a leading role in women’s networks, both within BAE Systems and in the wider sector, and is an advocate for visible female role models in data and technology.

We caught up with Harriet following her recognition as part of the Twenty in Data & Tech Series 7 to reflect on the impact of the accolade and how her career has evolved over the past year. She shared how the recognition strengthened her confidence, expanded her network and helped elevate the visibility of data expertise within her own organisation. Passionate about driving tangible change through data, she also spoke about championing sustained investment in AI and data, as well as the importance of paving leadership pathways to ensure other professionals have a seat at the table.

What’s changed since we last caught up with you, and where are you in your career right now?

A lot has changed over the past year, most notably, I’ve changed roles entirely. When we last caught up, I was in a Data and AI Lead position at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence. I’ve since been promoted into the role of Head of Business Development & Strategy for my area of the business.

It’s been an exciting but challenging transition, with a different scope and new responsibilities. The role requires a broader view on how we accelerate AI and data for our customers alongside transformations in their digital and cyber capabilities. It’s been refreshing to approach the business from a new perspective, thinking more strategically about growth, collaboration and long-term impact.

Being part of the Twenty in Data & Tech, Series 7 line-up is a significant milestone. How has the accolade shaped how you see your career – or how others see you?

Being part of the Twenty in Data & Tech Series 7 line-up has been an important career milestone for me. On a personal level, it’s been a real confidence boost. Working in a relatively closed arena such as security, it can sometimes be difficult to benchmark yourself against your wider industry. Being included alongside such an impressive group of peers has provided meaningful validation of my achievements.

Professionally, the visibility has had more impact than I expected. Colleagues often reference the accolade in introductions as a marker of credibility, and it frequently provides a useful conversation starter with new connections.

It has also expanded my network significantly, connecting me with inspiring professionals across sectors and, crucially, with talented women working in data from different parts of BAE Systems. I’ve also had the privilege of being approached by women looking for mentoring, which has been particularly rewarding.

You’ve been recognised for pioneering data and AI leadership roles in your organisation. Could you share more about how this came about – and why it was important?

Using data properly to drive impact is the type of work that matters most to me. Through collaborating with our customers, I’ve seen first-hand how critical timely, high-quality insight is to decision-making. When used in the right way, data enables organisations to protect vulnerable people, tackle systemic abuse, counter serious organised crime and strengthen the resilience of vital infrastructure, ultimately making society a safer place.

That belief is what drove me to champion sustained investment in our AI and data capabilities, successfully advocating for senior resource in these areas and leading from the front to build a dedicated team around me. A key priority was establishing clearer progression routes for data professionals to step into senior positions. I’m particularly proud that data and AI are recognised as core skillsets within our business and the impact our leaders are now having on the necessary transformation within our customers to adopt AI across their operations.

For anyone thinking about putting themselves forward – what would you say to encourage them?

I would encourage anyone considering it to put themselves forward. What have you got to lose? Even when unsuccessful, opportunities like these tend to generate valuable conversations and can open doors you may not even know are there. Recognition is important to career progression, and Twenty in Data & Tech creates visibility. You can’t benefit from it if you hold yourself back.

Thinking back to the run-up to the award announcement – what do you remember experiencing? And how might series 8 be feeling right now?

I remember experiencing a real mix of emotions in the lead-up – excitement, anticipation and some self-reflection, particularly as I had put myself forward for the award. On the day, though, any uncertainty I felt faded and was replaced with a sense of pride and shared celebration alongside a determination not to trip over on the stage!

I was also curious to see who’d be standing alongside me and what those connections might become. Looking back, this has been one of the most valuable aspects of the award. I’ve gained a whole new network of people I can now call upon.

I imagine those in the Series 8 line-up may be feeling the same combination of excitement and anticipation. I hope they also feel proud of themselves. Recognition like this is a testament to all their hard work and the impact they’ve made within their industries.

Do you have words of wisdom for Women working in the data industry today?

Say “yes” to opportunities that come your way, even when they might feel uncomfortable at the time and might not feel like the perfect fit. You will always learn something in the process.

Also, if the role of your dreams doesn’t appear to exist, it might be your job to create it – remember that most of the jobs that we have today didn’t exist when we were children. If you see a gap, make the case to fill it, then get on with it.