Robert Peers
Summary
Senior Financial Services executive with 20+ years of experience in Technology COO and Operations roles, driving large-scale tech, data and organizational transformation. Experience of running $1bn+ budgets, establishing AI roadmaps, delivering large cost reductions and shaping high performance cultures.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Chief Operating Officer, Investment Bank & Non-Core Legacy Technology
UBS
2023.07 - 2026.05
- Accountable for management of ~$1bn technology budget covering IB and NCL Business Divisions and management of cost reductions related to UBS and Credit Suisse integration.
- Partnered across Firm to launch multi-year AI strategy and investment roadmap, aligning initiatives to strategic business goals.
- Own portfolio management and planning process, running quarterly business reviews for IB President, Global Markets leadership team and Technology Head to manage delivery against strategic objectives.
- Own IB Technology Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) including AI, Operating Leverage and Engineering Productivity targets .
- Driven Cloud and On-prem infrastructure cost optimization initiatives resulting in annual gross saves of >$30m.
- Defined and managed global workforce, vendor and location strategy for 5,000+ FTEs.
- Championed leadership and talent management programs to drive cultural change.
Head of Reference Data Services
UBS
2018.04 - 2023.07
- Led 400 person global organization with ~$60m annual operating plan.
- Initiated and directed Cloud transformation program, transitioning UBS Group onto single reference data platform and contributing to external industry recognition.
- Established data products for cross divisional consumption which aligned to Data Management Framework.
- Partnered with Business Divisions and Group Functions to consolidate vendors and costs, remove duplicative infrastructure and services.
Global Account Data Management Service Line Head
UBS
2016.01 - 2018.03
- Defined service strategy and delivered cost efficiencies via process optimization and technology enhancements.
Global Manager of Business Analysts Resource Pool & UK Regional Head of Ops Change
UBS
2015.01 - 2015.12
- Managed 150 global Business Analysts delivering change programs across Middle Office, Securities, and Collateral.
- Delivered global Middle Office risk framework to enhance intra-day and end-of-day risk visibility.
Middle Office Change Roles
UBS
2010.03 - 2014.12
- Program Manager for technology and regulatory initiatives including front-to-back Murex implementation and high-risk booking model controls (T+0).
Equity Derivative Confirmations
UBS
2007.05 - 2010.03
- Managed team responsible for chasing and executing outstanding confirmations and led offshore initiative when roles were outsourced.
Investment Bank, Marketing Middle Office
JPMorgan
2004.03 - 2007.04
- Built new team to ensure accurate sales credits for 60+ FX & Commodities marketers.
- Produced operational support and controls for global Credit Marketing.
Asset Management, Reporting Analyst
JPMorgan
2001.10 - 2004.03
- Delivered client reporting for institutional investors and funds.
Product Analyst
Research Machines
2000.07 - 2001.09
- Evaluated hardware/software offerings for UK education sector.
Education
BSc - Economics and Politics
University of Bath
1997.01 - 2000.01
Skills
- Strategic planning
- AI implementation
- Portfolio change execution
- People leadership and development
- Financial planning and cost management
- Data management
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Crisis handling
PERSONAL INTERESTS
Passionate about culture and people development and mentor individuals both inside and outside of work., Member of the Haberdashers Livery Company where I’ve established a mentoring program for underprivileged students starting University.
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer, Investment Bank & Non-Core Legacy Technology
UBS
2023.07 - 2026.05
Head of Reference Data Services
UBS
2018.04 - 2023.07
Global Account Data Management Service Line Head
UBS
2016.01 - 2018.03
Global Manager of Business Analysts Resource Pool & UK Regional Head of Ops Change
UBS
2015.01 - 2015.12
Middle Office Change Roles
UBS
2010.03 - 2014.12
Equity Derivative Confirmations
UBS
2007.05 - 2010.03
Investment Bank, Marketing Middle Office
JPMorgan
2004.03 - 2007.04
Asset Management, Reporting Analyst
JPMorgan
2001.10 - 2004.03
Product Analyst
Research Machines
2000.07 - 2001.09
BSc - Economics and Politics
University of Bath
1997.01 - 2000.01