Chris Miller is Chief Data and AI Officer at Royal London Group. He began his career after graduating in Computing Science by joining Deloitte’s Technology Assurance and Advisory practice, where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant and built broad experience working with leading UK insurance and banking organisations.
In 2015, Chris joined Royal London Group in Group Internal Audit. This role gave him a deep, end-to-end understanding of the business and a clear view of how data underpins effective decision-making, governance and risk management. He was appointed Group Chief Audit Officer in 2018, further strengthening his enterprise-wide perspective and exposure to strategic risk, regulatory expectations and large-scale transformation.
In 2022, Chris was asked to lead the development of Royal London’s data capabilities in support of its insight-led, purpose-driven strategy, taking on the role of Chief Data and AI Officer. In this position, he is responsible for shaping the organisation’s approach to data, analytics, and AI.
Chris’s career spans technology, finance, assurance, and senior business leadership, a combination that strongly influences his approach to data and AI. He places particular emphasis on the importance of trusted data, cross-functional collaboration and anchoring innovation in clear purpose. As a data and AI leader, his focus is on enabling insight, fostering responsible adoption, and ensuring that data ultimately strengthens the service Royal London provides to the customers and members it exists to support.
As a data and AI leader, which traits and skills do you think matter most, and which of those have been most influential for you in your current position?
“Effective data and AI leadership begins with the ability to lead change with confidence, collaboration and persistence. Data maturity and AI adoption are long term shifts in how organisations operate. Helping colleagues navigate ambiguity, overcoming technical challenges, and driving adoption of new services and solutions is essential.
“This only works when done collaboratively. Much of our investment and priorities reflects our purpose driven mutual status, and so where we are progressing ambitious multi-year programmes to enhance customer experience it is essential we work brilliantly across our Data, Digital, Marketing and Engagement teams, underpinned by technology.
“Alongside this, leaders need a disciplined, value‑focused mindset. With so much possibility surrounding data and AI, the real skill lies in making thoughtful, long‑term investment decisions and ensuring we direct energy towards the opportunities that create meaningful, sustainable impact. That long‑term orientation is especially important at Royal London, where we measure progress through the lens of purpose and customer outcomes.
“All of this is strengthened by clear communication and a commitment to empowering colleagues. When people understand and feel supported to build their data and AI skills, the organisation grows in confidence and capability together.”
Reflecting on your career, what is one non-traditional piece of advice (outside of technical skills) you would give to an aspiring data or AI leader aiming for the C-suite?
“One piece of non‑traditional advice I would give to anyone aspiring to be a data or AI leader is to take deliberate ownership of your development, while staying open to where your career might take you. Having a clear development plan and a genuine growth mindset matters far more than having a fixed idea of the next job title. Whether your ambition is the C‑suite or to excel in the role you have today, consciously choosing a few areas to grow keeps your work fulfilling and your career moving forward.
“Be open with the people around you. Engaging your stakeholders in your development builds trust. Signalling the skills you want to strengthen or the experiences you want to gain invites support, feedback, and opportunities you might not otherwise access. Humility and honesty about where you want to grow are powerful, they show maturity and self‑awareness, qualities that senior leaders value deeply.
“Careers rarely move in straight lines. Some of the most rewarding opportunities arrive unexpectedly. Focus on building your strengths, understanding the environments where you thrive, and staying curious. When you do that consistently, the right opportunities have a way of finding you.”