Chris Howarth LLB, MA

BigID Public Sector, Regional Sales Manager (UK) | Know Your Data™ • Data Privacy • Data Security • Data Governance

Preston, England, United Kingdom

About

With over fifteen years of experience driving digital transformation and growth across the UK public sector, I help organisations unlock the full potential of their data — securely, ethically and for public good. At Databricks, I led public sector engagement across local government and central departments, building strategic initiatives with AWS, Microsoft, MHCLG, and DSIT to help councils predict and prevent demand in critical areas such as adult social care, SEND, and homelessness. Through this work, I founded a cross-government initiative aligning with SAVVI (Supporting Vulnerable Individuals) standards and established partnerships that enabled councils to access funding and technical expertise for early intervention. Previously, at Alteryx, I led NHS and local government business, delivering multimillion-dollar wins and creating a GTM plan that secured leadership backing and collaboration with Boston Consulting Group. I also helped develop national-level cost-of-living and counter-fraud solutions now referenced in wider government data programmes. I’m passionate about combining innovation with impact — creating partnerships that balance data-driven transformation with public trust, compliance, and interoperability. Now at BigID, I’m focused on empowering public bodies to deliver a unified experience for security, compliance, governance, and privacy across data and AI — so they can improve discovery capabilities across data and AI together and see which data feeds which models, co-pilots or agents. By understanding, governing and protecting their most sensitive data — the public sector will be better equipped to carry out safe, compliant data sharing and analytics at scale across the NHS, central government, education and local authorities.

Experience

  • Regional Sales Manager, Public Sector at BigID
    Nov 2025 - Present · 8 mos

    Charged with driving BigID’s public sector growth across the UK, I help government organisations elevate their data governance maturity, accelerate AI adoption with confidence and enable secure, cross-agency collaboration. Key priorities include: Delivering BigID’s enterprise-grade platform to public bodies, enabling automated discovery, classification and risk remediation of data and AI pipelines. Aligning BigID capabilities with responsible, multi-agency analytics programmes that support early-intervention, citizen outcomes and trusted data sharing. Working as a bridge between C-suite sponsors (CISO's, CIOs, CDOs, COOs), data governance leaders and technology teams, translating strategic objectives into high-impact deployments. Ensuring public sector-specific compliance, sovereignty, transparency and interoperability — enabling transformation without compromising trust or control.

  • Enterprise Account Director Public Sector at Databricks
    Nov 2024 - Nov 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo

    Grow new business in local government and affiliated central government bodies, such as MHCLG, CQC, Homes England, Scottish and Welsh Government. Quickly get the message out there about "why Databricks" and educate customers. Identify AI outcomes that align with the Government's 'AI Opportunities Action Plan'. Work with partners including GSI's, hyperscalers and boutique partners. Drive consumption and gain new logo activations. Bring new and fresh ideas to the public sector team based on my extensive experience in this sector and promote best practice amongst colleagues. In 3-months, created the Data Driven Programme for Local Councils, being utilised by colleagues across SLED in the US, with senior VP 'buy-in'.

  • Alteryx (London Area, United Kingdom · Hybrid)
    • NHS Sales Manager
      Jul 2023 - Nov 2024 · 1 yr 5 mos

      After excelling in new business sales within the NHS, winning 6 & 7 figure deals with NHS England, NHS Shared Business Services, NHS Supply Chain and NHS Counter Fraud Authority - taking the business from $0 ARR to $2m ARR, I was promoted to NHS Sales Manger after presenting my business case to the US and UK President, VP and RVP's of how we grow from $2m ARR to $10m ARR in 5-years. This included working with Boston Consulting Group to implement my comprehensive business plan of how we target the multiple entities that make up the NHS, such as Trusts & Hospitals, ICS's & ICB's and NHS Key Bodies. I led a team of 3 x AE's, 1 x SE and worked strategically with marketing and the BDR team leaders.

    • Account Director NHS & Local Government
      Jan 2022 - Jul 2023 · 1 yr 7 mos

      227% quota achievement 2023. Main role was to grow new greenfield business into both sectors. Create and implement granular business plans and overachieve targets. Quickly discover data and analytical pains and drive new business in a multitude of ways.

  • Local Government Account Executive at VMware
    May 2020 - Jan 2022 · 1 yr 9 mos

    Manage and lead a virtual team of 20+ that covers the entire VMware portfolio and align each of those products to the local government sector.

  • Founder at Making Changes
    Jan 2020 - Dec 2021 · 2 yrs

    Run a self-created recovery programme through a North West charity to help people overcome mental health and addiction issues.