Leo
AVP Data Architecture and Engineering @Co-operators
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WORK HISTORY
AVP Data Architecture and Engineering @Co-operators
CA
Developed a scalable data/AI architecture on Azure with secure hub-and-spoke, reusable patterns, and frameworks. This facilitated modernizing data platforms, enabling Gen AI, and establishing Customer 360 in the lakehouse to support OMNI marketing- Led the data foundation initiative by collaborating with teams to build a scalable, secure Azure infrastructure with a strong network topology. This setup supports multiple environments with strict security, boosting infrastructure automation and efficiency by 50%- Led a multi-year project to modernize a legacy data warehouse on Azure Synapse using platforms like Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, and Azure PaaS solutions. The goal is to save $5M annually in TCO, including license fees. This transformation offers self-service analytics and tools, accelerating insights and data-driven decisions- Developed a Gen AI architecture integrating Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and selecting Azure and Databricks AI stacks. This infrastructure supports MLOps and deployment, creating a foundation for generative AI to drive innovation and solve business challenges- Fostered data literacy and a data-driven culture within the organization by conducting roadshows to educate business units about the data strategy and target architecture, demonstrating their business value- Established a Centre of Excellence for Data Engineering and implemented training with vendor partners to upskill internal resources with new data technologies- Collaborated with Data Governance to develop the enterprise data catalog and data quality framework, ensuring data accuracy and completeness. Used Microsoft Purview and Fabric features to strengthen data security and protect sensitive information- Collaborated with Enterprise Architecture to create an enterprise inventory of reusable data architecture patterns and practices. These standards aim to be organization-wide, accelerating data projects and reducing costs.
EDUCATION
York University
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Operations Research and Statistics
University of Fredericton
Executive MBA, Artificial Intelligence Leadership
York University
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Computer Science
ABOUT LEO
A data-driven leader with over 20 years of experience transforming businesses through strategic data initiatives. Proven success in designing and implementing innovative Data/AI architecture solutions and engineering best practices. Deep domain expertise in telecommunications, retail, financial, and insurance sectors.Led cross-functional teams and collaborated with vendor partners to modernize complex legacy data platforms using advanced Azure services such as Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, and Purview. By adopting a data mesh strategy with the federated FinOps model and establishing robust Data/AI Architecture patterns and engineering standards, I enabled organizations with self-service analytics capabilities, Gen AI use cases, reduced operational costs, and enhanced data quality and governance.Certified SAFe 6 Agilist with a strong ability to work with stakeholders and program management to deliver projects on time and within budget. Passionate about fostering a data-driven culture and empowering organizations to make informed decisions based on data.
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