Vishal Patel
Chief Data & Analytics Officer
Webster Bank
Vishal Patel is the Chief Data Officer for Webster Bank in Connecticut, USA. He is responsible for various aspects of data management that cover data governance, business intelligence & analytics, master and reference data management, data engineering, and data platform management for the bank.
Vishal is a Co-Chair of the New York CDO Governing Body. Vishal is also an advisory board member for MIT’s Center of Information Systems Research - Data Research Board Advisory.
Learn more about the New York CDAO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
My first job in the Information Technology space goes back to 1999/2000 with a startup firm. I was an analyst building small applications. Post that position, I had an opportunity to work for a client in an investment management space. This is where my passion for data management grew leaps and bounds due to the fact it had a direct impact to a company’s bottom line.
Over a period of years, I took several strategic roles within various investment management firms that provided me with an opportunity to stand up data governance and data management practices in a very fast paced environment.
My proven experience in data management led me to my current role which covers functions like Data Governance, BI/Data Analytics, Master/Reference Data Management, Data Platform Strategies, Data Product Management and Regulatory data strategy to name a few for the Bank.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
As a Chief Data Officer of a bank, I always look to empower my team to manage their portfolio. Separately, I believe in looking at a bigger and broader picture for any initiatives that would allow me to contribute to the success of the bank.
With disruption being a key theme of the past few years, where do you see your role as a CDAO going in the next 1-2 years?
Organizations are becoming more data-focused and with that, the CDAO role is becoming prominent. I see there is a big push across the industry on usage of AI/ML and advanced data analytics. I see my role contributing more heavily into aspects of business growth and stronger risk management in line with industry trends by using AI/ML in data analytics and strong data governance.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the role as a CDAO?
Be inclusive, lead by example, empower your team and do not shy away from making a decision.
Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself.
- I have a new found passion for traveling, my most recent trip was to Yellowstone National Park.
- My favorite comfort food is “Dosa” (i.e. South India Delicacy).
- My all-time favorite movie is “Where Eagles Dare.”
What is the value of participating in a professional community through Evanta?
It’s a great opportunity to network with your industry peers, share ideas and learn best practices that may benefit you as a data professional.
Evanta Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.
by CDAOs, for CDAOs
Join the conversation with peers in your local CDAO community.