Home
>
Sunil Patel, Chief Data Officer, PwC

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.

What are your key areas of focus for the business in 2022?

Our key focus in 2022 is engaging the business around our data strategy and putting in place the data foundations to help us deliver this as well as building more of a data-centric culture amongst our people. Our clients trust us with their data and hence we need to balance this with the regulatory environment and associated risks – we want to encourage safe and ethical innovation and support people to be able use data confidently and responsibly to make more informed decisions.

How do you apply your leadership skills a) within your own business and b) on behalf of your clients?

I personally created the role of CDO at PwC, influenced the board that we should set up a separate CDO function, secured the budget, mobilised a team and we are now delivering and executing our data strategy internally across all our business units. Engagement, communication and relationships are key to making progress. This is a change programme across 22,000 people.

Externally I speak to client CDOs to share stories and experiences and support clients as they navigate their own journeys on data. I’ve helped some clients shape their CDO role, others to share experiences and also spoken at conferences/seminars e.g. most recently at the BEIS Select Committee about digital markets regulation etc.

What key skills or attributes do you consider have contributed to your success in this role?

Communications, relationships, a willingness to learn and adapt, co-creation with others and in general a willingness to help others see the value of doing things differently. This is a big change and not everyone gets it.

How did you develop – and continue to develop – these skills or attributes?

I have had a personal coach for the last 18 years and that really helps me to reflect on my development, progress and challenges. Being willing to receive feedback and learn is key. No-one is the finished article, however senior. I work collaboratively with others and am always curious.

How do you ensure that your proposition keeps pace with your clients’ goals and requirements so that you are leading rather than lagging behind their demands?

Listening and talking to clients regularly keeps you tuned in. At PwC, we work across all industries so we can see what leading organisations are doing as well as what works/what does not work. All of these things keep our propositions fresh. The acid test is whether a client wants you to help them or not.

Sunil Patel
has been included in:

100 Enablers 2022 (EMEA)

The trusted global collaboration and intelligence platform for data leaders.

DataIQ is a trading name of IQ Data Group Limited
Registered office: 6^th Floor Charlotte Building, 17 Gresse St. London, W1T 1QL