AustenKing
Austen King
Senior Data & Digital Transformation Leader — career history and credentials
austen@thekings.co.uk  ·  linkedin.com/in/austenking  ·  austenking.com  ·  Colchester, Essex
The short version · the career with the titles attached

Senior Data & Digital Transformation Leader

Former Global Head at Barclays and Clyde & Co, with thirty years driving enterprise data strategy, AI innovation and regulatory compliance across financial services, legal, media and the public sector.

The mission

Turning complexity into clarity — aligning data, digital platforms and people to deliver measurable outcomes, with AI used as a practical tool, not hype.

Capability

Proven leadership across global enterprises.

I've led transformative data and digital initiatives at some of the world's most demanding organisations. From reducing regulatory errors by 75% at Barclays to building the enterprise AI platform at Clyde & Co that cut claims processing times by 80%, I deliver results that matter. My approach balances strategic vision with hands-on execution — building high-performing teams and embedding governance that scales.

Data strategy & governance

I've established Chief Data Office functions at Barclays and Clyde & Co, embedding DAMA frameworks and automated data lineage that reduced validation errors from 12% to under 3%.

Digital transformation & cloud

I've designed and implemented multi-geo Azure data platforms, migrating legacy systems to modern cloud architectures that enhance security, scalability and operational resilience.

AI innovation & analytics

I delivered Newton, an AI-powered legal analytics platform, and established Data Labs that transition proof-of-value projects into production solutions with measurable business impact.

Why organisations choose me

Strategic vision, and operational expertise.

A rare combination of the two, with a track record of delivering complex programmes on time and on budget. My leadership style is hands-on, collaborative, and focused on sustainable growth.

Proven at scale

I've led global teams of up to 50+ staff across PLC, LLP and public sectors, delivering enterprise solutions spanning 90+ regulatory jurisdictions and 60+ international offices.

Purpose-driven impact

Inspired by Ikigai, Kaizen and Chowa, I focus on aligning purpose, people and process. Real progress comes from balancing speed with sustainability, systems with humanity.

Trusted by leaders

I've acted as escalation point for critical data issues at board level, representing organisations to regulators, senior clients and top-tier consultancies with clarity and confidence.

About

Three decades of data leadership.

My career spans the evolution of enterprise data — from pioneering BI systems in Canadian media to building Chief Data Offices in global financial services and law firms. I've navigated the 2008 financial crisis, led data integration during the Lehman Brothers acquisition, and driven digital transformation through COVID-19 and major mergers. I hold an MBA with Distinction, and DAMA CDMP, TOGAF and Microsoft Azure certifications.

Career history

Thirty years, in one page.

The same career told through events and what I did about it is on the career by events page. This is the version with the job titles attached.

2024 – Present
Independent Data, Digital & AI Advisor
Datavation LtdColchester, UK
2024
Data Transformation Lead
Metropolitan PoliceMet Business Services · London
2019 – 2023
Global Head of Data & Analytics
Clyde & Co LLPLondon · 60+ offices worldwide
2013 – 2019
Head of Global Large Holdings Data Operations
Barclays Investment BankLondon
2007 – 2013
Regulatory Business Intelligence VP
Barclays PlcGroup Legal & Compliance · London
2002 – 2007
Business Intelligence Consultant
AtexCanada, USA & Sweden
2000 – 2002
Founder — BI & systems implementation
DatavationColchester, UK
1996 – 2000
IT & Operations Manager
NewsquestEssex County Newspapers, then Regional Letterbox Services
Credentials

Certifications and accreditations along the way.

Qualifications

Executive MBA — Distinction (2024) CDMP — Certified Data Management Professional TOGAF Enterprise Architect PMP — Project Management Professional PRINCE2 Practitioner Professional Scrum Master & Product Owner Microsoft Fabric Analytics Engineer (2026) Azure Data, Analyst & AI Certified Power BI Data Analyst Associate HROI Data & AI Technical Strategist AI Product Management

Clearance & base

Security cleared to NPPV2 and CTC (2024).

Colchester, Essex based. Engagements delivered on site and remote, with a career built across the UK, Europe and North America.

FAQ

Questions I'm often asked.

Answers to what hiring managers and senior leaders most often want to know about my experience and approach.

What makes your approach to data transformation different?
I focus on purpose-driven impact, not just technology deployment. Inspired by Ikigai, Kaizen and Chowa, I align purpose, people and process for sustainable growth. I use AI as a practical tool, not hype, and prioritise clarity through lean, transparent systems. My leadership is hands-on, collaborative, and focused on building teams that deliver measurable outcomes.
What's your experience with AI and advanced analytics?
I've delivered production AI solutions that create real business value. At Clyde & Co I led development of Newton, an AI-powered legal analytics platform that reduced claims processing times by 80%. I've implemented ML and OCR solutions, established Data Labs for proof-of-value projects, and advised businesses on practical AI adoption aligned with existing platforms. I hold HROI Data & AI Technical Strategist and AI Product Management certifications.
Can you handle regulatory complexity and compliance?
At Barclays I implemented multi-jurisdictional reporting covering 90+ regulators worldwide, including the UK Takeover Panel, the EU Transparency Directive and SEC requirements. I reduced validation errors from 12% to under 3%, mitigating multi-million-pound regulatory fines in Germany and Sweden. I've embedded governance into daily processes, so compliance becomes a competitive advantage rather than a burden.
What size organisations and industries do you work with?
My experience spans financial services, insurance, legal, professional services, public sector and regulated industries — from global enterprises to owner-led businesses. The work is the same at either end: understand the people, the processes, the data and the technology, then calibrate all four until the operation runs and can be seen to run.

Let's talk.

Whether it's a full-time, contract or advisory engagement, I'm interested in discussing how I can help your organisation achieve clarity and measurable outcomes.

austen@thekings.co.uk Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom