LDC Top 50 2022

Henry Crawford, Jon Tippell and Geraldine Colclough Alderson are the trio behind Redkite, a consultancy which helps companies such as Diageo, M&S and The Guardian unlock value from their data. Started in 2018, it employs over 300 people and recently launched the Redkite Academy, an “ultimate accelerator” for a career in data.

The Co-Directors are scaling fast, with plans to open offices in the US, Latin America and Australia this year. “We’re deeply ambitious and want to grow Redkite to become the #1 data consultancy globally,” says Tippell. “I have a five-year-old daughter and want to be a role model to her about what you can achieve.”

Q&A

What made you start Redkite?

Henry: I worked as head of data at Deliveroo. There were 180 people when I started and 2,000 people when I left. I saw the impact that data can have on growth and made sure my team sat next to the executive team. I said to Will Shu [Deliveroo’s founder], “If you want information to make decisions, we have to be in the room.” I didn’t want to make mistakes and needed best practice but there was nowhere to turn for help. Redkite is the data partner I wish I’d had at Deliveroo.

What makes your culture different?

Geraldine: We wanted to build a consulting business that challenged some of the industry norms. We don’t do peer comparisons; we review everyone based on their own merits. We encourage sideways moves and squiggly careers. And we have a share scheme for all employees. Our attrition rates are between 5-9pc. At most of our competitors, it’s closer to 25pc. With Redkite, you’re joining an organisation that we want you to stay in.

What motivates you?

Jon: It’s really exciting to drive a British hypergrowth business. Many UK consultancies grow to a certain size then sell out too soon. We’re in this for the long haul.