Puneet Matai, Dr. Hc

AI & Data Strategy | Data Management | AI & Data Governance | AI, ML & Analytics | AI & Data Architecture | Data Privacy | AIGP (IAPP) | CDMP | CDMCv1 | SG PR

Singapore

About

Puneet Matai is a seasoned data executive with a progressive career spanning over 20 years of successful track record in pioneering data and digital transformation initiatives within the global financial services industry. Renowned as a strategic leader, he has orchestrated firm-wide Data Strategy, Data Management, Data Ethics, Responsible AI and Data/AI Governance initiatives, while cultivating cross functional team building and effective leadership, and collaborating seamlessly with executive leaders and stakeholders to guide businesses towards well-defined success. He is a certified Data Management, Data & AI Governance practitioner demonstrating extensive expertise in adept application of industry-standard frameworks like DAMA, DCAM, CDMC & IAPP's AIGP. As a distinguished alumnus of Columbia University with a Masters in Applied Analytics, he holds the distinction of securing 1 patent, publishing impactful research, and engineering numerous bespoke solutions that have ushered in multimillion-dollar P&L growth for global organisations. ** SG PR **

Experience

  • Senior Manager - AI & Data Engineering at Temus
    Oct 2025 - Present · 9 mos

  • Data and AI Governance Lead - RT Commercial at Rio Tinto
    May 2024 - May 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Program Manager - Group Data Privacy & Protection Initiative at UOB
    Jun 2023 - Apr 2024 · 11 mos

  • Director - Strategic Client Advisory | Data Strategy | Cloud Integration | BI & Analytics at Salesforce
    Apr 2022 - Apr 2023 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • SVP, Associate Director - Enterprise Data Governance at Santander Bank, N.A.
    Dec 2019 - Apr 2022 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    Reporting to the CRO, established and led the enterprise data governance group as a Second Line of Defense overseeing CDO operations; Directed Santander US's data management policy, standards and program strategy culminating in closure of 2 Fed MRAs for the enterprise  Spearheaded enterprise data governance function encompassing all 5 US entities at Santander; Within 6 months, onboarded all 5 entities to the 3-year data management program; Within 1 year, advanced 2 entities to “managed” data maturity with closure of 120 high priority DQ issues.  Hired, enabled and managed a team of 5 associates, to drive remediation efforts comprising oversight and validation of identified DQ rules and controls to certify the new and existing KDEs (~1600).  Delivered 25% y-o-y improvement in the DQ index and composite scores effecting closure of 2 MRA’s by the end of Q1, Year 3; enabled Santander US to retain license to expand footprint in North Americas.  Accountable for Line of Businesses engagement, co-chaired data management working groups with Chief Data Office; responsible for securing data management plan and budget approvals; representation and reporting of data management program health in enterprise risk committee and executive board meetings  Led the conception and implementation of 14 data KRIs and metrics within 1 year to enable enterprise’s data risk management maturity monitoring and assessment  Managed internal and external regulatory audits pertaining to data assets and deliverables for the program while addressing existing and potential MRAs