Group Data Head – Lead Data Strategy & Analytics

About the role

The Group Data Head will shape and execute the enterprise-wide data strategy for a leading Islamic financial institution in Kuwait. Reporting to senior leadership, the role partners with technology, risk, compliance and business functions to turn data into a strategic asset that drives revenue, efficiency and risk management.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement a Group-wide Data Strategy, Management and Analytics roadmap.
• Establish and strengthen Data Governance, Quality and Management frameworks, policies and standards.
• Lead adoption of advanced analytics, AI and machine learning to deliver actionable insights.
• Identify data‑driven opportunities to increase revenue, reduce costs and improve customer experience.
• Oversee data and analytics technologies, vendors, budgets and strategic initiatives.
• Translate business requirements into effective analytics and data solutions.
• Promote advanced techniques across structured and unstructured data, including predictive analytics, NLP and machine learning.
• Drive data monetisation initiatives and define KPIs for data investments.
• Ensure data access, privacy, security and regulatory compliance.
• Build a data‑driven culture through literacy and adoption programs.
• Lead and develop high‑performing data, analytics and governance teams.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, AI or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 12+ years of relevant experience, preferably in banking or financial services.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience in Data Science, AI, Machine Learning or Advanced Analytics.
• Proven experience developing enterprise Data Strategy and Governance.
• Strong knowledge of banking products, services and data environments.

Required skills

• Python
• R
• SQL
• SAS
• MATLAB
• Power BI
• Tableau
• Cloud technologies
• Big‑data technologies
• Machine learning
• Artificial intelligence