David Harkness | Freelancer Resume

David Harkness MBA | GAICD | FIML | MAIPM Transformation, Data and Technology Program Manager A results-driven transformation executive with over 20 years’ experience overseeing the delivery of major enterprise transformation programs and projects. An MBA And PRINCE2 qualified program director with strong leadership experience fostering high-performance, delivery-focused cultures. Led four multinational/multiyear (re)insurance transformation programs over 15 years: 1. Finance Transformation: Zurich Insurance – ran a three-year program to reduce annual IT run rate expenses by USD328million. 2. Data Transformation 1: Zurich Insurance - led the first ever Palantir machine learning implementation in Europe, significantly improving decision making time and data accuracy. 3. Data Transformation 2: MS Reinsurance - led the transformation of the data platform from a number of historic systems and tools to a cutting-edge platform which included MS Azure, dbt, Power BI, Profisee and Purview. 4. Desktop Transformation: PwC – advised and collaborated with local Partners in the EMEA region to move from Microsoft to the Google Apps suite for thousands of colleagues. Core Skills and Competencies Transformation, leadership skills, stakeholder management, analytical skills, PMO, change management, communication, Agile project management, strategy development and execution, problem solving, data governance. Professional Experience MS Reinsurance Switzerland - 2021 - 2024 MS Reinsurance is a global reinsurer based in Switzerland, providing a variety of reinsurance solutions. It employs roughly 250 people and has underwriting offices in several major hubs: Zurich, Bermuda, Miami and New York. Head of Data 03/21 - 08/24 • Manage interdependencies between multiple projects/initiatives. • As product owner, lead the overall adoption of Agile methodologies in multi-product environments. • Lead multidisciplinary central project team, from project planning to stabilisation. • Define resource and capability requirements and build a high-performing data transformation team. • Lead change and relationships in an effective way, involving processes, technology, ways of working and data • Design a data-driven target operating model ensuring alignment with business, data and application architecture. • Define a coherent transformation roadmap in close collaboration with subject matter experts across business and technology teams. • Drive change adoption throughout the transformation journey, ensuring all users are upskilled and engaged. • Implement governance frameworks to ensure consistency and transparency across transformation programs. Success Stories • Delivered enterprise-wide data and analytics transformation program. • Hired, developed and mentored a cross-functional team of data analysts, engineers and report developers. • Defined and monitored KPIs and OKRs for the program to measure performance, effectiveness and strategic impact. • Shaped and executed the vision, strategy, and roadmap for the data transformation program and platform. • Worked closely with senior stakeholders, delivering transformational programs that exceeded their expectations. • Introduced best-in-class data governance frameworks and tools. PwC Switzerland – 2019 - 2020 PwC is a global network of professional services firms, specialising in audit, tax advisory, consulting and managed services. They have around 370,000 people working in member firms across 150 countries, with roughly 13,000 equity partners and principals. Director – EMEA Territory Engagement 04/19 - 11/20 • Drive alignment with central and local PMO teams. • Leadership of cross-functional team of managers and senior managers sharing understanding and strategic alignment. • Cross-functional collaboration with tech leads and architects, promoting best practices in cybersecurity, data privacy, and platform reliability. • Champion cultural change and employee engagement, to embed transformational thinking into program design. • Collaborate with technology, risk, and business functions to set governance and standards. Success Stories • Led the transformation to the Google cloud-based application suite for more than 10,000 colleagues. • Established strategic stakeholder relationships with senior leaders such as Partners and Directors. • Led the Network Review Program, PwC’s internal risk management and compliance audit process – ‘audit the auditor’. Career Break Switzerland - 2017 - 2019 Project Manager 11/17 – 03/19 • Project managed the build of our new house. • Continued my life-long-learning journey (data strategy, Agile development). • Spent time with our young daughters. Zurich Insurance Switzerland - 2010 - 2017 Zurich Insurance is a global company based in Zurich, Switzerland with over 60,000 employees. It provides a wide range of general insurance and life insurance products and services in more than 200 countries and territories. Data Program Director 05/14 – 10/17 • Design a machine learning driven target operating model ensuring alignment business, data and application architecture. • Manage interdependencies between multiple projects/initiatives. • Led a large matrix team of both internal and external employees across several countries. Success Stories • Used Machine Learning to reduce 110+ data sources across multiple countries, down to 10 data sources. • Collaborating with Palantir, delivered the most comprehensive data set ever, utilising 100+ data sources from 15 countries. • Led a complex cross-functional team of on shore and near shore data and project management experts. Chief of Staff (dual mandate) 04/10 – 04/14 • Lead the Chief Information and Technology office, with ownership of HR, communication, and direct finance. • Influence senior stakeholder on executive-level topics, driving key strategic and operational initiatives. • Ownership of the global IT project management portfolio ensuring that efforts are aligned with the IT strategy and roadmap. Success Stories • Achieved the highest possible annual performance rating - Far Exceeds Expectations. • Collaborated with senior leaders both inside and outside of the IT department, ensuring cohesion and collaboration. • Implemented risk monitoring and management across the central IT organisation. Program Director – Expense Reduction (dual mandate) 04/10 – 04/14 • Partnering with financial controllers and monitoring costs and funding. • Drive alignment and execution to find and assess viable expense reduction initiatives across the globe. • Charged with delivering 50% of the Zurich Group’s targeted USD600m cost savings target. Success Stories • Led a global expense reduction program, reducing IT run costs by US$328m, from US$2.0bn to US$1.7bn. • Created a global IT transformation program of four pillars and 100+ initiatives, widely regarded as best in class. • Gained praised from our Chief Financial Officer for excellence in financial management. Australia 1996 - 2009 • Outback Stores (Darwin) – IT Consultant for a not-for-profit, improving the health of our First Nations people. 2008 - 2009 • Westpac Financial Services (Sydney) – Finance Manager, Chief of Staff. 2000 - 2008 • Allianz Australia (Sydney) – Call forecaster and resource planner for call centres. 1996 - 2000 Education • Enrolling, AI Business Specialist (Federal Diploma), Swiss Cyber Institute (Virtual). 2026 • Graduate, Executive AI Program - Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (Virtual). 2025 • Certificate, GenAI/ChatGPT Expert - Blockchain Council (Virtual). 2024 • Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), Company Directorship - Institute of Company Directors (UAE). 2012 • Participant, CIO Academy - Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (United Kingdom). 2011 • PRINCE2 Qualified Project Practitioner - British Office of Government Commerce (Australia). 2008 • Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Macquarie Graduate School of Management (Australia). 2007 Languages • English – Native language. • German – Moderate working proficiency. Fellowships and Professional Memberships • Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). • Fellow of The Institute of Managers and Leaders (FIML). • Member of The Australian Institute of Project Managers (MAIPM). Hobbies • Life-long-learning. • Mountain bike riding - downhill and single trail. • Walking and jogging with our Lagotto Romagnolo dog. • Spending time ‘tinkering’ in our garage.