Alan Smith Obe

Alan Smith OBE has an extensive career in data journalism and visualisation, currently serving as the Head of Visual and Data Journalism at the Financial Times since September 2015. Prior to this role, Alan held various positions at the Office for National Statistics from 2001 to 2015, including Head of Digital Content and Principal Methodologist for Data Visualisation, where Alan established the ONS Data Visualisation Centre. Alan's career began in the corporate geography department at ONS as a Senior Research Officer, focusing on mapping and GIS support services. Academic credentials include a Master of Science in Geographic Information Science and Cartography from The University of Salford and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Lancaster University.