Robb (pictured) has been interim chief executive since May 2024 and was formerly chief financial officer at the organisation.

In his nine months as interim chief executive, Robb oversaw Smart Data Foundry’s move to the Edinburgh Futures Institute and co-led the successful bid with the University of Edinburgh for £3m funding from Smart Data Research UK to set up a new Financial Data Service (FINDS).

As chief financial officer, Robb also played a key role in securing Smart Data Foundry’s earliest data sharing agreements with NatWest and Sage UK.

The appointment comes as Smart Data Foundry prepares to launch a new Economic Wellbeing Explorer, which is a research tool that will offer real-time insights into the financial health of the nation by analysing anonymised data from 5.3 million consumer bank accounts.

Smart Data Foundry chair Dame Julia Unwin said: “Dougie has more than demonstrated that he is the right person to lead Smart Data Foundry into the next phase of expansion and I am confident that under his leadership Smart Data Foundry will become even more of a force to be reckoned with, not just in the UK but internationally.

“We have the potential to make a major impact on some of society’s biggest challenges, and the skills, capability and determination to deliver.”

Robb added: “I’m fortunate to work with such a committed and passionate team, who are all dedicated to using their expertise to make a lasting impact on people’s lives.

“By delivering unparalleled financial insights, we aim to help policymakers more effectively tackle poverty and inequality, ensuring support reaches those who need it most.”