Inde appoints Matthew Flatt as Technical Director of Data

Inde has appointed Matthew Flatt as Technical Director Data, Intelligence & Architecture, adding senior leadership to the New Zealand technology company's data practice.

Based in Christchurch, Flatt joins from PGG Wrightson, where he progressed from Business Intelligence Analyst into roles leading data teams and shaping enterprise data strategy. His background spans business intelligence, data platform architecture and analytics strategy.

The appointment comes as organisations place greater emphasis on data governance, analytics and the systems needed to support broader use of artificial intelligence. Flatt will lead Inde's Data, Intelligence & Architecture practice and work with clients on data platforms, governance and analytics.

He will also work alongside the company's AI, Automation and Integration team, reflecting a broader market focus on preparing company data estates for AI tools and wider use of machine learning.

Client focus

Flatt said the role appealed because of Inde's approach to client work and internal culture.

"What stood out to me was Inde's commitment to solving real business problems, not just delivering point solutions. There's a clear focus on outcomes and a genuine investment in people, both internally and for clients," said Matthew Flatt, Technical Director Data, Intelligence & Architecture, Inde.

He also pointed to the breadth of the role.

"It's a rare opportunity to combine people leadership, client engagement, and technical strategy in one role. That balance, along with the calibre of the team, made it an exciting next step," Flatt said.

Before joining Inde, Flatt built experience translating technical data work into business decisions, including work with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. That background is likely to be central to the role as companies seek clearer links between data investment and operating results.

Data shift

Flatt said client expectations around data are changing.

"We're seeing a move from a reporting culture to an ask questions culture, where businesses expect to interact with data more dynamically. To support that, organisations need strong, trustworthy data foundations and clear governance," he said.

That shift has become a common theme across the technology and consulting sector, as businesses move beyond static dashboards and scheduled reports towards systems that support more direct, iterative analysis. In practice, that often means investment in better data quality, clearer ownership, stronger controls and modernised architecture.

Demand for service providers has also broadened from implementing reporting tools to advising on the structure and management of data across organisations. Companies increasingly want support that combines platform design, governance and business alignment, rather than standalone analytics projects.

Growth plans

Dave Veronese, Chief Executive Officer of Inde, linked the hire to the company's wider investment in data and AI work.

"Matthew brings a powerful combination of experience, technical depth, and leadership capability. As our clients look to better leverage their data and prepare for AI, having strong expertise in data foundations, governance, and architecture is critical. Matthew will play a key role in helping our clients unlock that value," said Dave Veronese, Chief Executive Officer, Inde.

Inde operates in several New Zealand centres and has been building its senior bench in areas tied to technology modernisation. Its focus includes helping organisations update core systems and make broader use of data in decision-making.

Flatt's appointment underlines how data architecture and governance are moving closer to the centre of business technology strategy. As firms test AI tools and seek more reliable insights from operational data, the quality and structure of that information are becoming a management issue as much as a technical one.