Remzil Jacob is Chief Data Officer for the Americas and the US Consumer Bank at Barclays, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in technology-enabled business transformation across banking, finance, and enterprise data.
He began his career in retail banking before relocating to the United States, where he helped lead a series of major data-driven transformation initiatives. Over the course of his career, Jacob has delivered large-scale programs spanning data warehousing, data mining, and enterprise-wide modernization, consistently using data as a strategic lever to improve decision-making and business performance.
His leadership has included building and running enterprise Centers of Excellence and driving high-value initiatives focused on operational efficiency, cost savings, and scalable data capability. Known for combining execution discipline with strategic intent, he has focused on ensuring data programs translate into measurable outcomes rather than isolated technical delivery.
Jacob joined Barclays more than a decade ago and has spent the last eight years within the firm’s Chief Data Office. During this time, he has served as Chief Data Officer across multiple business areas, helping strengthen governance, modernize platforms, and embed data-driven ways of working across the organization.
In his current role, he leads data strategy and execution across Barclays’ Americas footprint and US Consumer Bank, focused on building trusted data foundations that enable sustainable growth, resilience, and transformation at scale.
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?
“An effective data strategy, for me, has three key components:
- Data that is correct and of good quality, which requires strong risk and control.
- Data that is easily available, which requires strong data technology and architecture.
- Data that delivers use case benefits, which requires a strong business context for usage.
“Developing these skills while staying curious and keeping pace with the latest thinking is key for an effective data and AI leader.”
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?
“Just ask. Very often, we think that the role we want, the promotion we aspire to, or the enrichment we seek is not being handed to us. The truth is, just being aware of what I want, and asking for it has done more for me in my career than expecting something that has not been verbalized.
“This requires self-awareness and clarity of thought, so always knowing what your best ask would be at any point in time, and having your elevator pitch ready is the best advice I would give.”