QBE appoints Group Chief Data Officer

QBE Insurance Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Bannocks to the new position of Group Chief Data Officer (GCDO).

Chris joined the Group on 18 May, based in QBE’s London office and reporting to Matt Mansour, Group Executive, Operations and Technology. Chris is a highly experienced technology services and data professional with expertise in managing data, analytics, operations, technology, sales, marketing and strategy across globally diverse and matrixed organisations.

As GCDO, Chris 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 to support QBE’s enterprise goals.

Chris has 20 years’ experience in data roles within the financial services sector, including with ING Bank, Barclays Bank and Nomura. His most recent role was Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Danone where he established the chief data office and the data and analytics organisation and led the creation of a data transformation programme.

Matt Mansour, Group Executive, Operations and Technology, 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.”

Commenting on his new role, Chris said: “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.”

Biography

Christopher Bannocks, Group Chief Data Officer

Chris has more than 20 years’ experience within the financial services sector and is experienced at managing globally diverse and matrixed organisations across data, analytics, operations, technology, sales, marketing and strategy. He has deep data and analytics domain knowledge and a track record of supporting business growth through data and analytics strategy and delivery.

Chris’ most recent role was Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Danone, where he established the chief data office and the data and analytics organisation, and then led the creation of a data transformation programme. This work involved formulating a structure and operating model, securing budget and building foundations including meta data strategies and tools, data marketplace and a data science environment, as well as shifting capabilities towards self-service and an operating model move to a more Agile way of working.

Prior to this role, Chris 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.

Chris 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.

He began his career with Credit Suisse First Boston, where he led a turnaround in underperforming functions including reference, control and enterprise data management.