My Experience

Manager (Lead Data Scientist), AI, Analytics and Data Team

BDO UK | Aug 2023 - Present | London, UK

Leading transformative AI initiatives at BDO UK, I oversee the development of bespoke generative AI solutions to enhance competitive edge. I design and deploy advanced machine learning models and scalable MLOps pipelines on Azure, integrating CI/CD practices with MLflow and Weights & Biases for experiment tracking and optimization. My role bridges technical innovation with business strategy, mentoring a team of 4 (1 AI engineer, 3 data analysts) while driving collaboration across the Digital business as the subject matter expert (SME) in ML and generative AI.

  • Developed internal audit automation tools using LangChain, LlamaIndex, and vLLM, accelerating audit tasks by 9x and reducing reporting time by 90%.
  • Optimized processes across Audit, Cyber Security, and IT, automating 75% of repetitive tasks with generative AI and ML.
  • Conducted R&D on AWS, GCP, and Google Colab, evaluating proofs of concept that informed client-facing AI assurance frameworks.
  • Delivered webinars and seminars, establishing thought leadership in ML and generative AI across the firm.

Technologies: LangChain, LlamaIndex, vLLM, Azure, MLflow, Weights & Biases, PyTorch, TensorFlow, GCP, AWS, Google Colab

Senior Data Scientist, Data Monetization Team

ShopriteX | Sep 2020 - Jul 2023 | South Africa

As a Senior Data Scientist at ShopriteX, South Africa’s largest retailer, I led the design and execution of full-stack production pipelines to drive data monetization, focusing on margin, revenue, and profit optimization. I spearheaded a team of 7 (4 data scientists, 3 data analysts), developing predictive models with PyTorch, TensorFlow, and JAX, deployed across AWS, Azure, and GCP. My work balanced technical feasibility with business needs, utilizing JIRA for project management and PowerBI for executive visualizations.

  • Pioneered the Optimization Engine pipeline, boosting group margin by 15% and revenue by 20% within 18 months for a $20B+ operation.
  • Ensured scalability and maintainability with best-in-class documentation and CI/CD practices, transitioning solutions to production seamlessly.
  • Leveraged deep neural networks, transformer architectures, and GPU acceleration, optimizing models for real-time insights.
  • Presented complex findings to executives, driving strategic decisions with compelling data narratives.

Technologies: PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, JAX, AWS, Azure, GCP, JIRA, PowerBI, Git, Docker

Data Scientist / Consultant, Business Intelligence Team

Glacier by Santam | 2018 - Aug 2020 | South Africa

At Glacier by Santam, I enhanced business intelligence capabilities by developing advanced analytics solutions. Using Python, SQL, and SAP Hana, I created novel methods for measuring client retention, churn, and segmentation, deploying ML models on SAP Server for production use. I also supported fund management with a custom optimization tool in Excel/VBA, strengthening strategic decision-making.

  • Designed BI cubes, increasing data accessibility by 50% and reducing reporting latency by 60%.
  • Deployed a transaction monitoring tool, improving fraud detection accuracy by 30% and saving $5M+ annually.
  • Built a resourcing model, forecasting staffing needs with 85% accuracy based on communication metrics.
  • Enabled deeper insights into client behavior, driving a 15% improvement in retention strategies.

Technologies: Python, SQL, SAP Hana, Scikit-learn, Excel/VBA, PowerBI

Research Data Scientist / Actuarial Analyst, Product Development Team

Glacier by Santam | 2014 - 2018 | South Africa

In this dual role, I conducted market research and analytics for Glacier’s executive committee, integrating legacy data with MorningStar and Bloomberg sources using Python, R, and SQL. I developed ML models to optimize Life and Living annuity allocations, reassessing actuarial assumptions, and played a key role in the pricing committee with valuation and pricing models.

  • Pioneered an ML optimization model, enhancing retirement benefits for 10,000+ clients and increasing satisfaction by 25%.
  • Aggregated client mortality data, releasing $10M+ in reserves for reinvestment.
  • Optimized pricing strategies, increasing product profitability by 12% and client portfolio performance by 18%.
  • Laid the groundwork for BI functions, improving analytical views of Actuarial Life Products.

Technologies: Python, R, SQL, MorningStar API, Bloomberg, Excel/VBA

Lead Investment and Research Analyst, Fund Research Team

Glacier by Santam | 2011 - 2014 | South Africa

Led due diligence and research efforts at Glacier, engaging with CIOs and portfolio managers to assess investment strategies. Using Excel, VBA, RStudio, MS Access, MorningStar, and Bloomberg, I performed a 60/40 qualitative-quantitative analysis of unit trusts across Fixed-Income, Property, and Global Multi-Asset categories, delivering technical reports for board-level decisions.

  • Improved buy-list recommendations, enhancing portfolio returns by 10% across South African and global markets.
  • Streamlined due diligence processes, reducing analysis time by 25% with automated workflows.
  • Informed investment strategies, strengthening Glacier’s competitive positioning in fund management.

Technologies: Excel, VBA, RStudio, MS Access, MorningStar, Bloomberg

Performance Attribution Analyst

Sanlam Investments | 2009 - 2011 | South Africa

As an early-career analyst at Sanlam Investments, I evaluated portfolio performance across diverse asset classes, using Excel and VBA to attribute returns and risks. My analyses supported investment managers in optimizing strategies, laying a strong foundation in quantitative analytics and data-driven decision-making.

  • Enhanced performance attribution accuracy by 20%, improving portfolio optimization for $500M+ in assets.
  • Automated reporting workflows, reducing manual effort by 30% and enabling faster decision cycles.
  • Collaborated with senior analysts to refine risk models, contributing to a 5% uplift in risk-adjusted returns.

Technologies: Excel, VBA, SQL