CEO MONTHLY / MAY 2025 9 Craig Douglas: Driving and Digitalising the Manufacturing Industry In this modern age, the evolution of countless sectors is being driven by advancing technologies and shifting perspectives. One of which is the manufacturing industry, an essential sector undergoing significant digital transformation in order to streamline and enhance its processes. Helmed by CEO Craig Douglas, DataFlowIQ is one company currently championing this revolution through the development of its proprietary digital backbone model. As Craig is named in the CEO of the Year Awards 2024, we take a closer look at his rise to success. Headquartered in Hull, DataFlowIQ is a pioneering company positioned at the very forefront of the manufacturing sector’s revolution. The company strives to do so through digitalisation, having developed a next-generation MES production software platform that seamlessly integrates all existing systems to provide a centralised database and live wallboards. This system provides scalable solutions for modern manufacturing needs and is expertly designed to grow with each client’s business, ensuring that manufacturing operations are always at the cutting-edge of efficiency and innovation. DataFlowIQ is expertly steered by Craig Douglas, CEO and industry innovator. Craig received his education from the University of Leeds, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 2005. More than a decade later, Craig returned to his studies to complete the CIO Academy programme at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, in 2016, underpinning his dedication to learning and continuous improvement. Following his graduation in 2005, Craig immediately entered the workforce through the position of Software Developer for RTK Instruments. After almost four years of dedicated service, Craig joined John Leggott College as Software Developer in 2009. These roles provided Craig with the foundational skills and valuable insights he would need to succeed in this sector and set the tone for his future career pathway. In 2010, Craig joined Wren Kitchens as a Development Manager, a position he held for four years. He worked his way through the ranks over the next 11 years, taking on the roles of Head of IT, Senior Vice President of IT, and finally IT Director in 2017. As IT Director, Craig led the technology roadmap and strategy and held responsibility for all aspects of IT, overseeing a cross-functional hybrid team of more than 200 engineers spanning a number of departments. Craig became the IT Director of ilke Homes in 2021, holding that position until 2023. The prosperity of Craig’s career path has been significantly influenced by these roles in leadership positions, allowing him to gain valuable experience by shaping the manufacturing and construction sectors through the implementation of transformative technological advancements. Each role has taught Craig qualities that are essential for successful leadership, including collaboration and communication, flexibility, and strategic foresight, alongside a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s evolving landscape. Today, Craig stands as the CEO of DataFlowIQ, a position he has held since 2023. As CEO, Craig has effectively led the company’s mission to bridge the gap between technology and manufacturing, always ensuring that DataFlowIQ’s solutions continue to empower factories with added efficiency and innovation. He opts for an effective style of leadership that prioritises open communication, cooperation, and flexibility in order to better equip his team to overcome obstacles and embrace opportunities with ease. Inspired by his personal and professional experiences, Craig leads DataFlowIQ by leveraging strategy, guidance, and empowerment in his approach. This ultimately cultivates an environment that fosters innovation and collaboration throughout the team, preparing them to adeptly navigate any environment they may face in the field. As a result, DataFlowIQ’s culture has been built upon a solid foundation of creativity, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to continuously providing clients with solutions. Since joining DataFlowIQ, Craig has seen significant success in his role, though it has not come without its challenges. Alongside the challenge of seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies into traditional manufacturing setups, Craig has additionally experienced the complexities of adapting his leadership style to diverse teams and rapidly evolving industries. Addressing such challenges has enabled Craig and the team to develop innovative and forward-thinking solutions that have not only mitigated the immediate issues but have also successfully paved the way for new growth opportunities to be taken. Under Craig’s expert guidance, DataFlowIQ has risen from strength to strength in its mission of revolutionising the manufacturing industry. The company has remained a frontrunner in this field, steered toward success by a cohesive and collaborative team. Named the Digital Transformation CEO of the Year 2024 – East Yorkshire, Craig has demonstrated his remarkable capabilities as a leader and has inspired many throughout the industry to embrace innovation and technological advancement, positively contributing towards the revolution of the broader industry landscape. Contact: Craig Douglas Company: DataFlowIQ Web Address: www.dataflowiq.com Dec24085
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