Pieter Vorster

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Speaker bio

Pieter Vorster is a seasoned data, AI, and transformation leader with more than 20 years of international experience driving large-scale business and technology transformation across banking, insurance, mining, and financial services. He possesses deep expertise in data strategy, data platforms, artificial intelligence, analytics, and enterprise-wide data governance, with a particular focus on enabling organisations to unlock business value through data-driven innovation. Throughout his career, Pieter has led complex transformation initiatives across multiple industries and geographies, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities associated with modernising data ecosystems and embedding AI at scale. He is particularly passionate about helping organisations use data and AI to improve decision-making, accelerate innovation, and create sustainable competitive advantage. Recognised globally for his expertise in data architecture, data quality, and emerging AI technologies, Pieter combines strategic leadership with deep technical knowledge. His experience spans the design and implementation of enterprise data strategies, cloud modernisation programmes, advanced analytics initiatives, and data risk management frameworks that align technology investments with business outcomes. Prior to joining IBM as Partner, Data and AI Lead for Australia & New Zealand, Pieter served as General Manager – Data Platforms and Chief Data Officer at Westpac Group. In this capacity, he led the modernisation of enterprise data platforms through a cloud-first strategy, drove the adoption of advanced analytics and data products across the organisation, strengthened data risk management capabilities, and championed innovative AI initiatives, including the launch of Australia’s first Agentic AI services and Data Product frameworks. His leadership was instrumental in scaling Westpac’s enterprise data strategy and embedding data as a strategic asset across the organisation.