Head: Digital Platforms & Innovation at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

End Date: April 25, 2026

Digital Strategy, Transformation & AI Enablement

• Define and execute a digital-first strategy for A&I, embedding AI as a core enabler of business transformation.
• Act as the Accountable Executive for digital growth and transformation across all A&I business units.
• Align digital and AI strategies with Absa Group’s Pan-African ambitions and PPB Digital roadmap.
• Lead the adoption of AI-driven capabilities (e.g., predictive analytics, intelligent automation, personalization engines) to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Provide thought leadership on emerging technologies (AI, machine learning, automation) to solve complex business challenges and future-proof the organisation.

Customer Primacy & Client Driven Innovation

• Champion a customer-first approach across all  A&I digital platforms and services.
• Leverage AI and advanced analytics to deliver hyper-personalised client experiences and proactive engagement.
• Embed client feedback, behavioural insights, and journey analytics into product design and enhancements.
• Represent the voice of the customer in leadership forums to influence strategic priorities and investment decisions.
• Drive seamless, omnichannel digital experiences across A&I ecosystems.
• Drive adoption of digital advice, digital onboarding and self-service capabilities.
• Continuously monitor market trends, fintech innovation and competitor platforms

Digital Product Strategy, Lifecycle Management & Commercialisation

• Lead end-to-end digital product lifecycle management (ideation, development, launch, optimisation, retirement).
• Translate strategic objectives into digital and AI-enabled product roadmaps and execution plans.
• Oversee the development of flagship platforms (e.g., A&I Portal, Digital Wills) and scalable digital solutions.
• Identify and drive opportunities for product expansion, diversification, and platform integration.
• Ensure commercialisation strategies maximise product uptake, profitability, and market competitiveness.

Growth, Revenue & Data Monetisation

• Define and implement frameworks to monetise digital platforms, leveraging AI and data insights.
• Identify new revenue streams through digital innovation, embedded finance, and platform ecosystems.
• Utilise advanced analytics and AI models to optimise pricing, cross-sell, and client value propositions.
• Drive measurable commercial outcomes, linking digital investments to revenue growth, AUM expansion, and client acquisition.
• Enable data monetisation strategies while ensuring ethical and compliant data usage.

Digital Adoption & Platform Optimisation

• Drive adoption and utilisation of digital platforms across client and internal user segments.
• Implement AI-driven user engagement strategies to increase digital penetration and self-service capabilities.
• Monitor platform performance using data analytics and continuously optimise for user experience and efficiency.
• Lead change management and stakeholder engagement to embed digital behaviours across the business.
• Enhance operational efficiency through automation, straight-through processing, and integrated plaforms.
• Drive a Digital & AI driven culture in partnership with Human Capital

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure all digital platforms, AI solutions, and data practices comply with regulatory, legal, and Group governance standards.
• Embed robust risk management frameworks, including AI governance (model risk, bias mitigation, ethical AI use).
• Partner with Risk, Compliance, and Legal to ensure secure, resilient, and compliant digital ecosystems.
• Maintain oversight of cybersecurity, data privacy, and platform integrity.
• Ensure transparency, auditability, and accountability in digital and AI-enabled decision-making.

Operational Efficiency & Value Delivery

• Drive cost efficiencies through automation, AI-enabled process optimisation, and platform integration.
• Establish performance metrics and dashboards to track digital value realisation (financial, customer, operational).
• Lead cross-functional collaboration across Product, Technology, Operations, and Distribution teams.
• Embed agile delivery methodologies to accelerate time-to-market and innovation cycles.
• Continuously improve operating models to support scalable, resilient, and high-performing digital platforms.

Qualification & Experience

• Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in digital strategy execution within the financial services sector, with a strong track record in platform implementation and transformation.
• Proven experience in leading end-to-end digital transformation initiatives, including the design, build and scaling of digital platforms across advice, investments, stockbroking and fiduciary services.
• Demonstrated success in financial services digital innovation, delivering commercial value and measurable business outcomes.
• Experience in driving customer-centric digital platforms and journeys, translating client insights into enhanced digital experiences and solutions.
• Strong track record in enabling digital growth, client acquisition and platform adoption, with clear linkage to revenue generation and business performance.
• Experience in data-driven decision-making and data monetisation strategies, leveraging analytics to unlock new revenue streams and optimise client engagement.
• Exposure to Pan-African or multi-market digital environments and the ability to scale digital solutions across diverse markets (advantageous).
• Experience working within regulated environments, with sound understanding of financial services, governance, risk and compliance frameworks.