Simon Downes

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT SIMON DOWNES

The key focus throughout my career has been in helping organisations use data in ways that are reliable, well-governed, and aligned to real business needs. My experience spans data engineering, modelling, enterprise architecture, governance, and operating model design, which gives me a grounded understanding of how data behaves in practice and what it takes to manage it well at scale.I work with senior leaders to define data strategies, modernise architectures, and create the governance, quality, and stewardship structures that make analytics, automation, and AI safe and effective. My work has covered government, financial services, and large international organisations, including the design of cloud and Fabric-based data platforms, enterprise data models, metadata frameworks, data policies, and cross-functional data management capabilities.My focus is always on clarity, coherence, and sustainability: establishing the foundations that let teams make confident decisions, integrate new technologies, and build long-term capability rather than short-term solutions. I balance architectural rigour with a practical understanding of organisational realities, enabling change that is both strategic and achievable.I’m an active member of DAMA UK and mentor through its professional development programme. I hold certifications in TOGAF, DCAM, DAMA CDMP, and ArchiMate, and have a particular interest in how organisations build trust in their data and adapt their governance to support responsible AI.My approach is straightforward: understand what the organisation is trying to achieve, understand the data landscape that supports it, and create the structures that allow both to move forward with confidence.