Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director – Data & AI

Location: Bangalore, India

Industry: Banking & Financial Services (BFSI)

Experience: 20+ years

Reporting To: Global Head – Data & AI / BFS Portfolio

Role Overview:

The Executive Director – Data & AI will be responsible for leading large-scale technology delivery and digital transformation programs across global Banking and Financial Services clients. This role requires a visionary leader with deep expertise in Data, AI/ML, Cloud, and Digital Banking transformation. The ideal candidate will oversee delivery governance, manage client relationships at the executive level, and drive innovation and operational excellence across a multi-million-dollar portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Delivery Management

- Lead end-to-end delivery across large and complex Data & AI programs within the Banking & Finance sector.

- Manage a multi-portfolio P&L exceeding USD 10–15 million, ensuring profitability, efficiency, and delivery excellence.

- Establish governance, risk management, and escalation frameworks for all active engagements.

- Drive adoption of emerging technologies including Data on Cloud, AI/ML, API & Microservices, and DevOps to enhance delivery outcomes.

- Continuously improve delivery frameworks, tools, and methodologies to achieve operational efficiency.

Stakeholder Management

- Act as the strategic advisor and single point of contact for C-level executives (CIO, CTO, COO) across client organizations.

- Build and nurture strong client relationships, ensuring solutions are aligned with strategic business objectives.

- Conduct quarterly business reviews to drive satisfaction, account growth, and long-term partnerships.

Consulting & Advisory

- Provide expert consulting in Data & AI transformation, digital banking modernization, and core banking evolution.

- Guide clients through their cloud, automation, and data modernization journeys.

- Identify innovation opportunities and define transformation roadmaps leveraging AI, ML, and advanced analytics.

Sales & Business Development

- Drive business growth through pre-sales support, solution design, and proposal development.

- Engage in client presentations, RFP responses, and portfolio expansion initiatives through upselling and cross-selling.

- Collaborate with sales and account teams to develop strategic go-to-market plans for Data & AI offerings.

P&L and Financial Management

- Own and manage the financial health of the portfolio including revenue, margin, and cost optimization.

- Ensure all engagements meet or exceed financial targets while maintaining delivery quality.

- Identify and execute cost-saving opportunities through automation and process optimization.

Team Leadership & Development

- Lead, coach, and inspire a global team of project managers, consultants, architects, and data professionals.

- Foster a culture of innovation, learning, and collaboration across delivery units.

- Oversee workforce planning, competency building, and talent retention initiatives.

Innovation & Process Excellence

- Champion modernization initiatives through AI/ML, Cloud, and DevOps transformation programs.

- Drive enterprise-wide process automation, digital platform transformation, and operational excellence initiatives.

- Promote the adoption of open-source technologies and best practices in data governance and security.

Required Qualifications

Education:

- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Engineering.

- Executive Program in Business Analytics (EPBA) – IIM Calcutta.

- M.Tech (Gold Medalist) and B.E. from IIEST Shibpur.

- MBA or equivalent management education preferred.

Experience:

- 20+ years of experience in IT Services / Management Consulting.

- Minimum 10 years in senior technology leadership roles managing global BFSI clients.

- Proven track record in managing large portfolios (USD 10–30M) with end-to-end P&L ownership.

- Hands-on experience in Data, AI/ML, Cloud, and Digital Banking transformation.

- Strong background in consulting, solutioning, and managing enterprise-wide transformation engagements.

- Extensive experience working with global clients across Americas, EMEA, and APAC.

Key Skills & Competencies

- Leadership & Strategy: Ability to define vision and strategy for large-scale Data & AI transformation.

- Client Management: Proven success managing CXO relationships and driving business outcomes.

- Banking & Financial Expertise: In-depth understanding of retail, commercial, and transaction banking systems.

- Technical Acumen: Strong exposure to Data on Cloud, AI/ML, Automation, API/Microservices, DevOps, and Agile delivery.

- P&L Management: Skilled in managing high-value portfolios and achieving revenue and profitability targets.

- Innovation Mindset: Passion for driving transformation through data-driven insights and technology modernization.

- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication; strong influencing and negotiation skills.

Preferred

*Published thought leadership, patents, or whitepapers in the Data & AI domain.

*Active involvement in data and AI industry forums or professional networks.