Andrew Watson

Deputy Commissioner & Chief Data Officer at ATO

Speaker

Andrew Watson is Chief Data Officer and Deputy Commissioner Smarter Data Program at the Australian Taxation Office. 

Andrew leads the Australian Taxation Office’s Smarter Data Program, driving the development and scalable implementation of advanced data analytics, automation, artificial intelligence, and actionable insights that support the ATO’s purpose. 

In addition to delivering innovative data solutions, Andrew oversees robust and ethical data management and governance frameworks, ensuring alignment with Australian Public Service–wide standards.  He also contributes to cross-government committees dedicated to advancing data and analytics, including artificial intelligence, with a focus on enhancing service delivery to the community as well as improving productivity and capability across agencies. 

With more than 30 years of experience at the ATO, Andrew has held multiple senior leadership roles, including responsibility for improving outcomes for individual taxpayers, strengthening engagement with tax professionals, supporting small businesses, and leading major technology transformation programs. 

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Adelaide and a Masters of Business Administration (Public Sector Management) from Charles Sturt University.