QBE nabs ex-Credit Suisse, ING as new group chief data officer

QBE Insurance Group has tapped a former ING, Barclays and Credit Suisse executive for the position of group chief data officer (GCDO) to help build on its data capabilities and drive innovation across the organisation.

Christopher Bannocks (pictured) joined  QBE earlier this month from Danone, where he was chief data and analytics officer and led the creation of a data transformation programme.

In his new role, based in London, Bannocks will lead the enterprise data capabilities for  QBE with responsibility for defining and implementing the group’s data strategy and agenda. He will work closely with central and regional data teams to support data architecture, data governance and analytics, build on foundational data management capabilities and drive innovation in data usage across the organisation.

Bannocks has 20 years’ experience in data roles within the financial services sector. Prior to Danone, he was ING Bank’s first chief data officer where he was responsible for building offensive and defensive IT strategies and new capabilities, including implementing an Agile way of working. He has also held senior data roles at Barclays Bank and Nomura International and has run his own consultancy supporting investment banks and other organisations with their data capability. Bannocks began his career with Credit Suisse First Boston, where he led a turnaround in underperforming functions including reference, control and enterprise data management.

Matt Mansour, group executive, operations and technology, at  QBE, said: “Chris’ significant experience working with companies to develop data strategies and improve data capabilities has given him a solid understanding of the importance of creating business-focused solutions that deliver value quickly whilst demonstrating direction towards a strategic end-state. This experience is critical to allow us to gain the most insight for our customers in managing their risks.”

Bannocks commented: “There has never been a more important time for organisations to have a robust approach to enabling the business with data capabilities and forming a strong and aligned data strategy. I am looking forward to working with the teams to help  QBE, a leading global insurer, build on its data capabilities and shape the approach to better support and service our customers, people, and shareholders.”

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