Embracing the Future: Data Transformer Awards 2025 – Leading the Way in Data and AI

After a five-year hiatus, the Digital Transformer Awards are evolving and returning in 2025 as the Data Transformer Awards, ready to spotlight the Netherlands' leading talent in Data and AI. This transformation reflects the increasing importance of data-driven strategies in today's business landscape. The awards will recognize individuals from start-ups to enterprise companies that have successfully redefined their essence by leveraging data and AI.

To set the stage for the upcoming event, let's revisit insights shared by past DTA winners during a DTA Talks session.

DTA Talks: A Retrospective

In June 2020, the winners of the previous five years of the Digital Transformers Awards participated in an online talk show called DTA Talks. Hosted by Jim Stolze, the event featured Robert van Geffen (Global Head of Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Philips), Anouk Beeren (Director Crosschannel Intergamma), Gerhard van der Bijl (Senior Vice President IT Albert Heijn), Hans Böhm (Managing Director Heineken Netherlands), and Paskal van Lomm (Director Duxxie). These digital leaders shared their experiences with digital transformation, offering valuable lessons for organizations navigating the ever-changing digital landscape.

Key Insights from Digital Leaders

Even before the rise of Data and AI dominance, some key themes emerged from DTA Talks that remain relevant today:

  • The Future is Now: A central theme that emerged from DTA Talks was the acceleration of digital transformation. Companies can no longer ignore the need to adapt and innovate in the digital realm.
  • Remote Work is Here to Stay: The COVID-19 pandemic forced many companies to implement remote work policies, and the DTA winners agreed that this shift is likely permanent. A survey cited during the talk show indicated that 67% of companies believed working from home would continue, with work being organized differently.
  • Agility and Adaptability are Crucial: Robert van Geffen of Philips emphasized the importance of testing and adapting to new approaches. He noted that not everything will go perfectly, but the key is to learn from mistakes and move forward.
  • Customer and Employee Focus: Gerhard van der Bijl of Albert Heijn stressed the importance of putting both the team and the customer first. Involving stakeholders and showing the human side of the organization can foster greater flexibility.
  • Digital Transformation is Not One-Size-Fits-All: The panelists acknowledged that digital transformation varies for different organizations. Start-ups may have the advantage of starting with a blank slate, while established companies need to adapt existing processes. Some may need to focus on reaching specific demographics, while others prioritize omnichannel strategies.

The Rise of Data & AI in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is rapidly emerging as a hub for Data and AI innovation. According to the latest report by Statista, the AI market in the Netherlands is projected to grow by 27.73% annually from 2025 to 2030, reaching a market volume of approximately $8.67 billion by 2030. Furthermore, NL Netherlands reports that the Dutch Data & AI services market is expected to exceed €10 billion by 2027. These statistics highlight the significant growth, investment, and impact of these technologies across various industries in the Netherlands.

A Word from a Digital Transformer

“To truly improve as an organization, a digital transformation is often inevitable. Technology is usually no longer an issue, but the biggest challenge lies in changing the mindset and way of working of those involved. Winning the DTA gave me support for the path I was on, where the focus on data and insight was key in delivering results.” Paskal van Lomm, co-founder Startzorg

Data Transformer Awards 2025: Leading in Data and AI

The Data Transformer Awards 2025 promise to showcase the latest innovations and strategies in Data and AI. As companies continue to navigate the complexities of the data-driven world, the DTA provides a platform for sharing knowledge, inspiring others, and recognizing outstanding achievements. The focus will be on how leaders in the Netherlands are leveraging data and AI to drive business value, create new opportunities, and solve critical challenges. The awards are an initiative of Newpeople Executive Search and Cognizant in partnership with Google Cloud, Informatica, T.U. Delft, Team Lewis, Emerce and The Sales Marketing Group. The digital revolution has forced companies to redefine the essence of their organization. The Data Transformer Awards is an initiative designed to help companies achieve this goal.