Scaling Enterprise Analytics: Volvo Cars’ Hub-and-Spoke Model

Leveraging a federated structure to unify global analytics efforts
Henrik Håkansson

As Volvo Cars transitions into an electrified, digital-first business, analytics plays a critical role in navigating industry disruptions and unlocking workforce potential. Henrik Håkansson talks with Nick Kennedy about the company’s federated hub-and-spoke model, where hubs align data governance with local needs, and spokes address specialised areas like talent intelligence and finance. Watch this fascinating discussion to gain insight into cross-functional collaboration, overcoming resistance to change, and using analytics to improve cost management and long-term workforce strategies. With tangible examples, Henrik highlights how Volvo integrates insights across regions, functions, and disciplines to drive decisions in today’s competitive landscape.

Global enterprises often struggle to balance centralisation with local responsiveness, especially in complex industries like automotive. Volvo Cars has adopted a hub-and-spoke model to unify analytics governance while enabling tailored solutions for diverse functions. This approach addresses the challenges of scaling analytics, from aligning priorities to navigating cost pressures and enabling ethical AI innovation.

This session will explore:

  • Federated hub-and-spoke structures for analytics

  • Change management and fostering collaboration

  • Data governance and global compliance

  • Aligning analytics with cost-saving goals

  • Cross-functional initiatives and workforce strategy

  • Talent intelligence and its business impact.

Learning outcomes:

  • Understand how Volvo’s hub-and-spoke model balances global standards and local autonomy.

  • Explore strategies to embed analytics into decision-making while overcoming resistance to change.

  • Learn methods to achieve ROI from analytics while addressing cost-saving pressures.

  • Discover ways to align talent intelligence with strategic workforce planning.

  • Gain insights into leveraging AI and analytics for long-term business value.