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
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.