Nitin Dhavate

About Nitin Dhavate

I am an executive leader focusing on AI and Data Privacy Governance, overseeing one of the world\'s most diverse and complex regions spanning Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and in the highly regulated Pharmaceuticals sector. My mission is to build digital trust, ensuring that data and AI-driven innovation is delivered responsibly, ethically, and compliantly - at scale.In my current role, I lead the implementation of enterprise-wide frameworks for ethical data use, governance and digital risk management, partnering closely with business leaders, legal, ERC and technology / information security teams. I bridge strategy and execution: shaping governance models, influencing regulatory expectations, and enabling business teams to deploy AI solutions confidently and safely.My leadership philosophy is rooted in strategic clarity, cross-functional collaboration and developing future-ready, AI-fluent teams. I am passionate about reimagining compliance as a value-creation function - transforming complex regulatory environments into enablers of sustainable growth, trust and long-term competitive advantage.With deep experience across emerging and advanced markets, advanced regulatory jurisdictions and managing global programs, I am responsible for driving responsible innovation, digital trust and enterprise transformation.

Experience

1. Head of Ai and Data Privacy Governance - Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa & Global Health

   Novartis

   Nov 2022 — Present

   Scope and Responsibilities- Lead the implementation of global AI and Data Privacy Governance framework across a highly diverse region covering major markets such as China, Japan, Australia, South Korea and India- Serve as a core member of the global Leadership Team for AI and Data Privacy Governance, shaping global strategy for AI and Data Privacy Governance by adoption of the AI Governance framework- Work towards implementing accountability measures at various layers within the organization- Lead a team that oversees governance of AI use cases, ensuring alignment with Ethical Use of Data and Technology Policy and AI Risk and Compliance Framework- Strengthen enterprise governance by partnering with other risk functions such as Legal, ERC, Technology / Information Security and cross-functional leadership forums- Build organizational capability on responsible AI, digital ethics, and future-ready skills- Sponsor innovation initiatives such AI Knowledge systems, building AI bots for increasing team productivity and efficiency, process automation to reduce complexity and improve compliance maturity- Lead talent strategy, succession planning and leadership development for a diverse team spread across multiple countriesSelected Achievements- Operationalized AI and Privacy Governance across China, Japan, Australia, South Korea and India, embedding the risk and control requirements into local governance structures- Strengthened regulatory credibility through structured engagement with authorities, supporting regulatory and compliance submissions- Championed a regional uplift in AI fluency, future-ready behaviors and enterprise risk awareness - Sponsored high-impact innovation workstreams including AI knowledge bots, and privacy and AI risk assessment optimization- Recognized through 360 feedback for structured leadership, strategic communication, team empowerment and cross functional influence

Education

• CDAC ACTS

  Diploma, Advanced Computing

  1997 — 1997

• Walchand College of Engineering

  BE, Electronics

  1992 — 1996

• National Law School of India University, Bangalore

  Masters in Business Law, Law

  2023 — 2025

• National Law School of India University, Bangalore

  Diploma in Cyber Law and Cyber Forensics, Cyber Law

  2019 — 2021

Skills

• Information Security
• Data Privacy