Data and AI strategy expert, author, consultant
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1. Data & AI Strategy Development
I design enterprise‑level data and AI strategies that align with business goals, drive measurable value, and accelerate transformation. This includes operating models, roadmaps, and capability‑building for organisations of all sizes.
2. Fractional / Interim Chief Data Officer
I step in as a fractional or interim CDO to build or rebuild data capabilities, lead transformation, deliver governance, and drive adoption of analytics and AI across the business.
3. AI Strategy Advisory & Readiness Assessment
I help organisations understand where AI creates value, assess their readiness, and guide them through safe, ethical, scalable adoption. This includes generative AI use cases, governance frameworks, and operating models.
4. Executive & Board Advisory
I advise boards, CEOs and executive teams on data, analytics, and AI-helping them navigate risk, regulation, opportunity, and business model transformation.
5. Coaching for Chief Data Officers, & AI Leaders
Drawing on my ILM7 coaching qualification, I coach current and aspiring CDOs, Data Directors, and AI leaders to help them succeed in high‑stakes roles.
6. Thought Leadership, Writing & Speaking
As a bestselling author and recognised industry leader, I provide keynote speaking, workshops, and internal education programmes on data strategy, AI, and digital transformation.
7. AI & Data Operating Model Design
I help organisations redesign their ways of working-team structures, roles, processes, governance, and tools-to become genuinely data‑ and AI‑driven.
8. Due Diligence & Advisory for Investors
I support private equity, VC, and corporate investors with data and AI due diligence, value case development, and transformation planning.
Simon Asplen‑Taylor is an award‑winning data and AI leader with more than 35 years of experience delivering enterprise‑scale transformation across global organisations. He has served as Chief Data Officer for multiple FTSE firms-including Bupa, Tesco, Rank Group, UBS, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch leading data, analytics, and AI strategies that have driven significant revenue growth, cost reduction, and regulatory compliance improvements.
A recognised industry thought leader, Simon is an Amazon #1 bestselling author of Data and Analytics Strategy for Business and the founder of VALSTR, the world’s first Enterprise Data & AI Planning solution. He advises boards, CEOs, and senior leadership teams on data and AI strategy, coaching organisations on how to realise value while managing risk.
He has led some of Europe’s largest data‑driven transformations, including:
His career spans data strategy, AI transformation, governance, data architecture, and analytics innovation - delivered across financial services, insurance, retail, technology, real estate, and global regulatory environments. With a track record of building high‑performing data capabilities from scratch and shaping multi‑billion‑pound business cases, he is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most influential experts in data and AI strategy.
I hold an MBA from the University of Durham, which strengthened my leadership, strategic management, and organisational transformation capabilities.
I am a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society (FRSS) - recognitions that reflect my professional expertise and long‑standing contribution to the fields of data, analytics, and AI.
To deepen my technical foundation, I completed advanced training in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at MIT in 2019.
I also hold an ILM7 postgraduate‑level coaching qualification, completed in 2020, which supports my work coaching boards, executives, and data leaders.
