Hartnell Ndungi is the Chief Data Officer for Africa Regional Operations at Absa Group, where he leads the continent’s enterprise data strategy, governance, analytics, AI, and data monetisation agenda. His remit centres on turning data into a strategic asset, ensuring its effective use across business lines to drive performance, innovation, and growth.
Prior to joining Absa, Hartnell played a formative role in building data capabilities within Kenya’s financial services sector. At Co-operative Bank of Kenya, he served as Head of Data and Analytics (and earlier, Head of Business Intelligence), where he established the bank’s first Data Office and developed its enterprise data strategy. Earlier in his career, at KPMG, he worked as a Senior Consultant in Data & Analytics, advising clients across banking, insurance, and government on how to leverage data for strategic outcomes. His professional journey began in IT consultancy and software development – experience that continues to underpin his technical and strategic perspective as a data leader.
Recognised as one of the first Chief Data Officers in East and Central Africa, Hartnell is known for blending deep banking domain knowledge with advanced expertise in data strategy, AI, governance, and organisational transformation. A regular speaker at regional and international forums, he frequently shares insights on unstructured data, AI maturity, value-driven analytics, and the business enablement potential of robust data governance.