Transforming Organizations Through Data & AI Strategy and Governance
Delivering comprehensive data and AI governance solutions that align data capabilities and technologies to business strategy, driving innovation and value creation while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Design and implement enterprise-wide data governance frameworks with executive councils, operating models, and stewardship programs. Establish policies, standards, and processes for data quality, privacy, security, and compliance including GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and Basel requirements.
Develop AI governance frameworks ensuring responsible AI deployment with proper oversight, risk management, and ethical guidelines. Create AI strategy roadmaps aligning generative AI and agentic AI capabilities with business objectives while maintaining security and compliance.
Create comprehensive data strategies and roadmaps aligned with business objectives. Design modern data architectures including semantic layers, data lakes, and hybrid cloud platforms on AWS and Azure. Implement scalable solutions for master data management and data integration.
Implement data quality frameworks with AI/ML-powered anomaly detection and automated rule generation. Deploy data observability platforms for proactive monitoring, profiling, and issue resolution. Create metrics and KPIs for measuring and improving data quality.
Lead evaluation, negotiation, and implementation of enterprise data governance platforms including Collibra, Informatica CDGC/IDMC, Ataccama, and Precisely Data360. Provide hands-on configuration, training, and change management for successful adoption.
Provide strategic guidance to C-suite executives on data and AI initiatives. Develop and deliver customized training programs for leadership teams on data governance, AI strategy, and digital transformation. Facilitate executive councils and governance committees.
At Walgreens Boots Alliance, designed programs that reduced report production by 30,000 hours and tax preparation by 10,000 hours annually, generating over $7M in savings. Additional data governance capabilities provided $3-4M annually in cost aversion on projects.
Established complete data management and governance organization for a specialty P&C insurance company, including Data Office operating model, Executive Council, business glossary, risk framework, data catalog, and end-to-end lineage - transitioning full ownership to business stewards.
At Underwriters Laboratories, led digital transformation converting engineering safety tests to AI-powered recommendation engine, reducing testing turnaround time by 5-10 times and saving weeks of engineering time per product.
At AXIS Capital, reorganized enterprise data governance creating hybrid operating model and implementing Collibra platform, improving efficiency of top-level financial operations and establishing GDPR/CCPA compliance framework.
Headed Global Finance Data Office at Walgreens Boots Alliance, leading transformation with SAP S4, Azure, and Snowflake platforms. Created executive dashboards, advanced analytics capabilities, and comprehensive data governance program supporting 400+ finance professionals.
At Gallagher Bassett Services, designed and implemented secure hybrid cloud architecture on AWS with ML/AI capabilities, ensuring HIPAA and GDPR compliance for healthcare claims processing while enabling advanced analytics.
Michael Baraz is a passionate and innovative information executive with over 15 years of experience leading enterprise data and AI governance transformations across Fortune 500 companies and major organizations. As a continuous learner and thought leader in the field, Michael combines deep technical expertise with pragmatic business acumen to deliver high-value, high-impact outcomes.
Michael uses Design Thinking methodologies to align data strategy with business objectives, creating sustainable competitive advantages through proper governance, quality management, and innovative use of emerging technologies. His approach focuses on building data cultures that enable organizations to make confident, data-driven decisions while maintaining regulatory compliance and managing risk.
Michael has successfully delivered transformational data and AI initiatives across diverse industries including:
Throughout his career, Michael has:
Michael specializes in helping organizations navigate the complexities of modern data and AI governance, with particular expertise in:
Flexible engagement models tailored to your organization's needs and objectives. Whether you need strategic advisory services, hands-on implementation support, or comprehensive program development, I'm here to help transform your data and AI capabilities.
Short-term engagements focused on strategy development, assessments, and roadmap creation. Ideal for organizations seeking expert guidance on data and AI governance direction.
Medium-term engagements to lead specific initiatives such as tool implementations, governance program launches, or transformation projects.
Long-term partnerships serving as your fractional Chief Data Officer or Head of Data Governance, providing ongoing leadership and expertise.
Customized training programs for leadership teams on data governance, AI strategy, and digital transformation topics.
Ready to transform your organization's data and AI capabilities? Let's discuss how I can help you achieve your objectives.
Our engagement begins with a complimentary 30-minute consultation to understand your needs and determine how I can best support your objectives. Following our initial discussion, I'll provide:
Contact directly:
Email: Michael@Baraz.us
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/baraz