Graham Ward
Data Director
Birmingham
Summary
Accomplished data and digital transformation leader with over 20 years of experience in data analytics, information strategy, and digital innovation. Specializing in driving enterprise-wide data transformation, governance, and technology enablement to achieve tangible business outcomes. Expertise in advanced analytics, AI/ML, Generative AI, data architecture, cloud platforms (including Microsoft Azure), and data governance frameworks. Experienced in leading high-performing global teams in complex, regulated environments, aligning data strategy with organizational objectives to foster data-driven cultures and deliver substantial operational, financial, and compliance value. Board-level contributor and public sector advocate with a focus on guiding organizations towards responsible and intelligent scaling in the digital era.
Non-Executive Director at Gateway Family Services CIC since 2023, dedicated to shaping health-focused initiatives, enhancing service delivery, and supporting community impact for the betterment of public health and equity.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
2043
2043
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Head of Data Analytics (ASP, EMEA, UK)
HSBC
01.2022 - Current
- Aligned global data and analytics initiatives with executive priorities and corporate strategy across multiple territories.
- Directed enterprise-wide analytics programmes, managing up to 75 professionals across data science, engineering, and BI disciplines.
- Introduced self-service analytics tools (QlikSense, KNIME, Celonis) to promote decentralised insight and accelerate decision-making.
- Delivered advanced ML and GenAI solutions for forecasting, classification, and anomaly detection, improving audit and compliance automation.
- Led global process mining initiatives, identifying cost-saving opportunities and risk mitigation strategies.
- Built a scalable data team and culture of innovation, capability development, and continuous improvement.
Head of Data Analytics (ASP, EMEA, UK)
HSBC
01.2022 - Current
- Aligned global data and analytics initiatives with executive priorities and corporate strategy across multiple territories.
- Directed enterprise-wide analytics programmes, managing up to 75 professionals across data science, engineering, and BI disciplines.
- Introduced self-service analytics tools (QlikSense, KNIME, Celonis) to promote decentralised insight and accelerate decision-making.
- Delivered advanced ML and GenAI solutions for forecasting, classification, and anomaly detection, improving audit and compliance automation.
- Led global process mining initiatives, identifying cost-saving opportunities and risk mitigation strategies.
- Built a scalable data team and culture of innovation, capability development, and continuous improvement.
Data Analytics and Technology Director (UK)
BDO
10.2015 - 12.2021
- Delivered cross-sector data solutions including toll cost automation (Gov), fraud detection (FS), and revenue assurance (Energy).
- Developed and implemented modern Azure-based data architecture using Spark SQL to enable agile enterprise analytics.
- Led the creation of internal operational tools—dashboards, budgeting systems, resource management platforms—enhancing delivery efficiency.
- Championed self-service data visualisation and insight tools (Power BI, Qlik), supporting faster business responses and executive alignment.
- Managed full department operations including P&L oversight, resourcing, business development, and strategic growth initiatives.
- Led national awareness campaigns advocating data transformation and analytics adoption across public and private sectors.
Data Analytics and Technology Director (UK)
BDO
10.2015 - 12.2021
- Delivered cross-sector data solutions including toll cost automation (Gov), fraud detection (FS), and revenue assurance (Energy).
- Developed and implemented modern Azure-based data architecture using Spark SQL to enable agile enterprise analytics.
- Led the creation of internal operational tools—dashboards, budgeting systems, resource management platforms—enhancing delivery efficiency.
- Championed self-service data visualisation and insight tools (Power BI, Qlik), supporting faster business responses and executive alignment.
- Managed full department operations including P&L oversight, resourcing, business development, and strategic growth initiatives.
- Led national awareness campaigns advocating data transformation and analytics adoption across public and private sectors.
Senior Manager / Associate Director (UK)
KPMG
05.2014 - 10.2015
- Consulted on enterprise data strategy and analytics integration across multiple sectors.
- Led delivery of advanced modelling and bespoke software tools to meet regulatory, operational, and performance needs.
- Oversaw implementation of analytics platforms and process optimisation solutions to elevate service quality and reduce delivery friction.
- Conducted IT and analytics training programmes to raise internal capability and promote innovation at scale.
Senior Manager / Associate Director (UK)
KPMG
05.2014 - 10.2015
- Consulted on enterprise data strategy and analytics integration across multiple sectors.
- Led delivery of advanced modelling and bespoke software tools to meet regulatory, operational, and performance needs.
- Oversaw implementation of analytics platforms and process optimisation solutions to elevate service quality and reduce delivery friction.
- Conducted IT and analytics training programmes to raise internal capability and promote innovation at scale.
Senior Manager / Associate Director (UAE, Dubai)
Protiviti
04.2013 - 05.2014
- Headed the IT Audit and Data Analytics division, accountable for financial performance, staffing, delivery, and growth.
- Directed end-to-end IT audit engagements covering general/application controls, disaster recovery, and virtualised environments.
- Spearheaded business development efforts and engaged C-level executives to expand advisory and analytics service lines.
- Delivered keynote presentation to over 200 delegates at ISACA CISA (i-safe) Conference on the use of analytics in risk reduction.
- Introduced MI frameworks and audit dashboards to enhance budgeting, visibility, and reporting across global clients.
Senior Manager / Associate Director (UAE, Dubai)
Protiviti
04.2013 - 05.2014
- Headed the IT Audit and Data Analytics division, accountable for financial performance, staffing, delivery, and growth.
- Directed end-to-end IT audit engagements covering general/application controls, disaster recovery, and virtualised environments.
- Spearheaded business development efforts and engaged C-level executives to expand advisory and analytics service lines.
- Delivered keynote presentation to over 200 delegates at ISACA CISA (i-safe) Conference on the use of analytics in risk reduction.
- Introduced MI frameworks and audit dashboards to enhance budgeting, visibility, and reporting across global clients.
Manager / Assistant Manager / Analyst (UK)
KPMG
01.2005 - 01.2013
- Led large-scale IT audit and ERP advisory engagements for FTSE 100 clients, covering system controls and business processes (O2C, R2R, P2P).
- Managed high-performing teams across simultaneous engagements, mentoring staff and delivering critical client outcomes.
- Resolved complex business continuity issues (e.g., financial recreation post-system failure, user access breaches, stock recalculations).
- Designed financial models and dashboards for executive decisions on tenders, cost forecasting, and strategic investments.
- Built robust MI processes and business cases for boards, improving financial control and forecasting accuracy.
Manager / Assistant Manager / Analyst (UK)
KPMG
01.2005 - 01.2013
- Led large-scale IT audit and ERP advisory engagements for FTSE 100 clients, covering system controls and business processes (O2C, R2R, P2P).
- Managed high-performing teams across simultaneous engagements, mentoring staff and delivering critical client outcomes.
- Resolved complex business continuity issues (e.g., financial recreation post-system failure, user access breaches, stock recalculations).
- Designed financial models and dashboards for executive decisions on tenders, cost forecasting, and strategic investments.
- Built robust MI processes and business cases for boards, improving financial control and forecasting accuracy.
Education
CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) -
ACA (Qualified Accountant and Member of ICAEW) - undefined
01.2005 - 01.2008
BSc (2:1 Hons) - Physics
Warwick University
01.2000 - 01.2003
A Level Mathematics - undefined
Welshpool Sixth Form
01.1993 - 01.2000
A Level Physics - undefined
Welshpool Sixth Form
01.1993 - 01.2000
A Level Chemistry - undefined
Welshpool Sixth Form
01.1993 - 01.2000
10 GCSE’s -
Welshpool Sixth Form
01.1993 - 01.2000
Skills
- Strategic Leadership – Enterprise data strategy, CDO-level stakeholder engagement, board advisory, business transformation, and P&L responsibility
- Data & Analytics – Advanced analytics, AI/ML, Generative AI, data science leadership, process mining (Celonis), and risk analytics
- Technology & Architecture – Azure, Spark SQL, Databricks, ERP controls (SAP, Oracle), cloud data platforms, and IT governance
- Business Intelligence & Insight – Power BI, Qlik, MI reporting, KPI dashboards, and board-level strategic insights
- Operational & Sector Expertise – Proven delivery across finance, government, healthcare, energy, and regulated industries
- People & Culture – Leadership of global teams (up to 75), talent development, data literacy advocacy, and organisational change
- Tools & Platforms – Power BI, QlikSense, KNIME, Celonis, SQL, Python, Azure Data Lake, Synapse, ADF, Alteryx, Excel (modelling)
Core Expertise
- Enterprise Data Strategy & Architecture
- Generative AI & Advanced Analytics Integration
- Cloud Data Platforms (Microsoft Azure, Spark SQL)
- Data Governance & Regulatory Compliance
- Process Mining, Automation & Operational Intelligence
- ERP Systems, Business Processes & Control Assurance
- Financial & Risk Analytics
- Executive-Level MI & Strategic Reporting
- Leadership of Global & Cross-Functional Teams
- Client-Centric Data & Technology Solution Delivery
- Stakeholder Engagement & Board Advisory
- Data Literacy, Talent Uplift & Organisational Capability
- Operational Leadership & P&L Accountability
Timeline
Head of Data Analytics (ASP, EMEA, UK)
HSBC
01.2022 - Current
Head of Data Analytics (ASP, EMEA, UK)
HSBC
01.2022 - Current
Data Analytics and Technology Director (UK)
BDO
10.2015 - 12.2021
Data Analytics and Technology Director (UK)
BDO
10.2015 - 12.2021
Senior Manager / Associate Director (UK)
KPMG
05.2014 - 10.2015
Senior Manager / Associate Director (UK)
KPMG
05.2014 - 10.2015
Senior Manager / Associate Director (UAE, Dubai)
Protiviti
04.2013 - 05.2014
Senior Manager / Associate Director (UAE, Dubai)
Protiviti
04.2013 - 05.2014
Manager / Assistant Manager / Analyst (UK)
KPMG
01.2005 - 01.2013
Manager / Assistant Manager / Analyst (UK)
KPMG
01.2005 - 01.2013
ACA (Qualified Accountant and Member of ICAEW) - undefined
01.2005 - 01.2008
BSc (2:1 Hons) - Physics
Warwick University
01.2000 - 01.2003
A Level Mathematics - undefined
Welshpool Sixth Form
01.1993 - 01.2000
A Level Physics - undefined
Welshpool Sixth Form
01.1993 - 01.2000
A Level Chemistry - undefined
Welshpool Sixth Form
01.1993 - 01.2000
10 GCSE’s -
Welshpool Sixth Form
01.1993 - 01.2000
CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) -
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