This is a profile from the 2022 version of the DataIQ 100.
The latest list is available here.
Sunil Patel, chief data officer, PwC
What has been your path to power?
I have over 32 years consulting experience leading large complex technology programmes. I studied Computer Science at university and specialised in Medical Informatics which led me to start consulting in health and life sciences as I was fascinated with how clinicians make decisions using data. I’ve led the government and health businesses at Accenture, Atos and also at PwC, and worked on many high profile client engagements both in the UK and internationally.
I’ve a passion for digital and technology. Over the past few years I have led PwC’s digital transformation programme, upskilling 22,000 people in digital/data technologies. I led the development of PwC’s AI strategy and am now PwC’s first chief data officer, responsible for defining and delivering our data strategy. I’m also passionate about diversity and am a sponsor for ColourBrave. Outside of work I am a Board member at FutureDotNow which aims to close the essential digital skills gap in the UK.
What impact has the pandemic had on demand from your clients?
The pandemic has proven to our clients that they really need to get on with their technology transformation programmes, so we have seen huge demand for clients wanting to accelerate the use of digital and data to drive their business strategies. The pandemic has also changed the way we work and interact with our clients, so we are being asked to help out with many more requests from clients internationally who feel we have the skills and capabilities to help them.
Do you get a seat at your clients’ strategic discussions? If not, what will it take to get you there?
Yes, we typically interact at c-suite level with our clients either creating, shaping or delivering their strategies, be that around risk, supply chain, growth, regulation, market expansion, new product launch or broader transformation. We often get involved when clients have failed at trying to deliver something.
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