Head of Data Governance

This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape and execute a comprehensive data governance strategy, ensuring the highest standards of data quality, regulatory compliance, and effective utilisation of data assets throughout the region.

HEAD OF DATA GOVERNANCE

Salary: Competitive and based on experience
Location: Hong Kong

Keywords: data governance strategy, regulatory compliance, cross-functional collaboration, data quality improvement, stakeholder management, leadership in data management, regional oversight, policy development, project management, master data management

A prestigious financial services organisation is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Head of Data Governance to lead the data governance function across its Asian operations. This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape and execute a comprehensive data governance strategy, ensuring the highest standards of data quality, regulatory compliance, and effective utilisation of data assets throughout the region. You will collaborate closely with senior leadership and market-specific teams, driving alignment between global objectives and local requirements while fostering a culture that values data-driven decision-making. With a focus on both policy development and practical implementation, this position provides an exceptional platform for you to make a significant impact on business outcomes, all within a supportive environment that values professional growth, knowledge sharing, and flexible working opportunities.

* Play a key role in developing and executing a regional data governance strategy that aligns with both global corporate objectives and diverse local market needs, ensuring robust frameworks are established and maintained.
* Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of dedicated data governance professionals across multiple markets, promoting best practices and facilitating cross-regional knowledge exchange.
* Enjoy a collaborative workplace culture that supports your professional development through ongoing training opportunities, exposure to emerging technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence, and flexible working arrangements.

What you'll do:

As Head of Data Governance, you will be entrusted with shaping the future of how information is managed across an entire region. Your day-to-day activities will involve collaborating with senior executives to secure buy-in for new initiatives while guiding your team through complex regulatory landscapes. You will play an instrumental role in establishing clear policies that not only meet global standards but also respect local nuances. By integrating best practices into operational routines through close cooperation with various departments—including IT, Legal, Compliance, Risk Management—you will help embed a culture where high-quality data is valued at every level. Your expertise will be crucial in overseeing master data management processes and driving adoption of advanced tools designed to enhance accuracy and reliability. Regular communication with both global counterparts and local teams will ensure alignment on priorities while your leadership in project delivery guarantees successful execution from concept through completion.

* Develop and implement a comprehensive data governance strategy tailored to the unique needs of Asian markets while aligning with global corporate objectives.
* Lead, mentor, and support a regional team of data governance professionals, fostering an environment of continuous learning and collaboration.
* Establish, maintain, and regularly update policies, standards, and procedures for data governance across all Asian operations.
* Collaborate closely with IT, Legal, Compliance, Risk Management, and business units to integrate robust data governance practices into daily workflows.
* Coordinate with market-specific teams to ensure consistent application of policies while accommodating local regulatory requirements and business practices.
* Oversee the creation and monitoring of data quality metrics as well as the implementation of master data management processes in partnership with technical teams.
* Stay informed about evolving data protection laws across Asia to ensure full compliance with both local regulations (such as PDPA) and international standards (including GDPR).
* Serve as the primary liaison between regional operations and global data governance teams, reporting progress and challenges to senior leadership.
* Design and deliver training programmes to raise awareness of data governance principles throughout the organisation.
* Lead regional projects related to data governance by managing budgets, resources, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.

What you bring:

To excel as Head of Data Governance, you will bring extensive experience gained from leading large-scale initiatives within complex organisational structures—preferably within financial services or insurance industries. Your background should reflect deep familiarity with both technical aspects (such as database management systems) and business imperatives (like risk mitigation). You are adept at translating high-level concepts into actionable plans that resonate across cultures and functions. Your strong communication skills enable you to build consensus among senior leaders while your empathetic approach fosters trust within your team. A commitment to continuous learning ensures you remain current on emerging technologies such as big data analytics or artificial intelligence—tools which can further enhance your effectiveness. Above all else, your ability to balance technical rigour with pragmatic business acumen sets you apart as someone who can drive meaningful change while supporting those around you.

* Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, business administration or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred for deeper subject matter expertise.
* At least 10 years’ experience in data governance or related disciplines within large-scale organisations—ideally including five years in a leadership capacity overseeing multi-market teams.
* Demonstrated success in designing and implementing enterprise-wide data governance strategies that balance global consistency with local flexibility.
* Comprehensive understanding of Asian regulatory environments regarding data privacy (e.g., GDPR, PDPA) coupled with proven ability to ensure compliance across jurisdictions.
* Experience within financial services or insurance sectors is highly desirable due to their complex regulatory demands.
* Exceptional interpersonal skills enabling you to influence senior stakeholders while nurturing collaborative relationships across functions.
* Advanced project management capabilities allowing you to oversee multiple concurrent initiatives involving diverse internal partners.
* Proficiency in using modern data governance tools alongside familiarity with master data management solutions.
* Certifications such as CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional), DGQP (Data Governance Quality Professional), or CIPM (Certified Information Privacy Manager) are advantageous but not mandatory.
* Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in one or more Asian languages would be considered an asset.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out for its unwavering commitment to excellence in everything it does—from client service through operational integrity. Employees benefit from being part of an inclusive network where knowledge sharing is encouraged at every level. The company invests heavily in professional development by offering access to industry-leading training programmes designed to keep your skills sharp amid rapid technological change. Flexible working opportunities allow you to achieve work-life harmony without compromising on career progression. The leadership team is known for its supportive approach—valuing input from all employees regardless of tenure or title—and actively promotes diversity by welcoming candidates from under-represented backgrounds. As part of this forward-thinking environment, you’ll have the chance not only to advance your own career but also contribute meaningfully towards building a more resilient future for clients across Asia.

What's next:

If you are ready to take on this influential role where your expertise can truly shape the future of regional data governance, we encourage you to apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided—your next career-defining opportunity awaits.