From chemistry labs to product analytics, Jess Hunt’s route into tech wasn’t linear, and that’s exactly why it resonates. Now Product Manager (Data) at IAG Loyalty, she’s using data to drive better decisions, champion more inclusive teams, and reshape the future of customer experience.
“My journey into tech and data wasn’t a direct or intentional one.”
After studying chemistry, Jess didn’t land the grad schemes she’d hoped for. “At the time, it felt like a huge setback. Like many slightly confused 22-year-olds, I turned to a university careers advisor, who suggested a career in marketing.”
She took a marketing internship, then a CRM role at Ocado, where she quickly realised her interests lay elsewhere. “What really excited me was hearing about the insights team’s projects and the data behind them. That’s when I knew I wanted to pivot.”
Jess made a business case for a secondment into the data team. “A month in, I was offered a permanent role as a commercial insight analyst. I haven’t looked back.”
“Representation matters.”
When Jess first entered the tech space, she often felt like an outsider. “I’ve worked in places where I was the only woman and the youngest in leadership meetings. You start to question whether you truly belong at the table.”
At IAG Loyalty, the difference was immediate. “There’s real visibility of strong female leaders here. That presence makes a difference.”
It’s not just about representation, she adds, but also about the culture of support across the board. I recently started a course at IAG Loyalty that has already been insightful and compelling, it’s helping me grow not just as a manager, but as a more confident and intentional leader.”
She’s also seen the importance of allyship across all levels and genders. The culture at IAG Loyalty encourages open conversations, mentorship and active advocacy for equity in tech.
“It gives me the best of both worlds.”
Jess now leads a cross-functional data team at IAG Loyalty. “I love working in data products because it gives me the technical depth (coding, analysis, building) alongside the collaboration and strategic thinking that comes from working with stakeholders.”
She also values staying close to the work. “Unusually for a product manager, I still get to dip into the code, which I absolutely love. To solve a problem, you need to understand the data behind it.”
“My work helps people make better decisions.”
At the heart of Jess’s role is helping teams make confident, data-led choices. “Whether it’s a stakeholder trying to understand customer behaviour or deciding where to invest, I aim to make complex data clear and actionable.”
She adds, “When data is intuitive and accessible, it builds curiosity and confidence. That’s when you start to see real impact.”
“The differences between us are what turns a good team into a great one.”
For Jess, inclusive teams are high-performing teams. “It starts with creating a healthy, joyful environment where people feel safe bringing their whole selves to work.”
She invests time in understanding how each team member communicates and collaborates best. “By leaning into those nuances, we build a culture of trust and flexibility where everyone can contribute meaningfully.”
“Don’t worry if your path isn’t linear.”
Jess is keen to challenge misconceptions about working in data. “People think you need to be amazing at maths, or that data is boring or isolating. But many roles require creativity, curiosity and strong collaboration skills.”
Her own experience proves there’s no one-size-fits-all path. “I began at a company that had a range of roles, and by staying curious and being proactive, I was able to pivot into data through a secondment.”
She says her experience at IAG Loyalty shows that ‘squiggly’ careers are not just accepted, but supported – especially for those learning new skills or entering new areas.
Her own advice? “Be brave, take a chance, and put yourself out there. The worst that can happen is someone says no, and the next person might say yes.”
She also encourages joining professional communities. “Groups like Women in Tech and Women in Data were game changers for me. They showed me what was possible.”
She also reflects on what she would say to her younger self or to science students considering a future in tech. “You don’t need to have it all figured out at uni or even straight after. I went into science wanting to be a forensic pathologist and ended up declining a tax consultant graduate scheme. Neither of those career paths happened! In fact, I didn’t even know that my current role existed when I was 22. But what I did have was a science degree that taught me how to problem-solve, stay curious, and think critically. Those skills are incredibly valuable in data and tech, even if you don’t realise it yet. Don’t count yourself out of roles just because they sound technical or unfamiliar. You’re more capable than you think, and sometimes the best opportunities come from simply being open, asking questions, and following what genuinely interests you.”
“We’re still early on in our experimentation journey.”
IAG Loyalty’s structure allows Jess and her team to innovate with freedom. “We’re lean and agile but backed by the stability of a larger group. That gives us room to test, learn and iterate.”
That culture of experimentation supports her growth. “What’s been especially valuable is the autonomy we’re given, not just in terms of the tools we use, but in shaping strategic direction too.”
She’s particularly excited about the potential of unified customer data. “By joining up data across our platforms, we’ll be able to create a single, enriched view of how customers interact with us, unlocking better personalisation and experimentation.”
“If you’re passionate and willing to learn, there’s a place for you in tech.”
Looking ahead, Jess sees huge opportunity in AI, real-time data processing and predictive analytics. But accessibility remains her biggest focus.
“The industry is becoming more accessible. If you’re curious, collaborative and willing to learn, there’s a place for you here.”
About Jess Hunt
Jess is a Digital Product Manager at IAG Loyalty, leading digital initiatives that improve customer and employee experiences. She is passionate about building inclusive tech teams and supporting others on their journey into careers in technology, no matter their background.
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