As part of the Gulf Bank’s “Data Ambassadors” data training program for employees

 

Kuwait, 15 November 2021: Gulf Bank hosted a training session for its employees led by Dr. Thomas Redman, a world-renowned expert in data quality and data analytics who is also known world-wide as the “Data Doc.” The training session was held as part of Gulf Bank’s recently launched Data Ambassadors program, which will train 142 employees across various departments in key data quality and analytics. The new program aims to upskill and empower employees to use advanced data science in order to enhance the Bank’s offerings and services.

 

The data expert led a Data Quality training session, working closely with Gulf Bank’s Data Ambassadors to build knowledge and expertise around data quality concepts. Dr. Redman also held a session with Gulf Bank’s Data & Analytics Team to discuss how Gulf Bank’s can initiate successful data strategies by focusing on data quality, building organizational capabilities, and putting data to work in innovative ways.

 

It is worth noting that the Data Ambassadors curriculum was developed completely in-house by Gulf Bank’s Data and Analytics office, and is the first stand-alone Data & Analytics program in the country. The new curriculum, which was developed primarily by Kuwaiti talent, has also been endorsed by Dr. Redman, whose books and articles have been featured in respected periodicals including MIT Sloan and Harvard Business Review.

 

The new program is part of Gulf Bank’s strategy for the year 2025, which aims to provide customers with an unprecedented banking experience based on digital transformation. The launch of the new program marks a remarkable undertaking by the Bank to train employees both quickly and efficiently in key concepts including data quality, data concepts and Tableau training. As part of the new program, 1 out of 10 employees in each team will be trained on how to use data and analytics tools.

 

Gulf Bank's General Manager of Human Resources, Salma Al-Hajjaj emphasized the value and uniqueness of the Bank’s new Data Ambassadors program, saying: “Our people are the secret behind Gulf Bank’s excellence in the banking industry. With Gulf Bank spearheading multiple digitization efforts in the local banking sector, our employees are gaining valuable training and development opportunities and access to world-renowned expertise. The launch of our Data Ambassadors program marks the first standalone data and analytics program in Kuwait, and we are so proud to be able to give our employees the chance to partake in it.”

 

Gulf Bank’s Chief Data Officer (CDO), Mai Al-Owaish, also commented: “Gulf Bank’s digital transformation is well underway, and we believe that the best way to enhance digital transformation is to focus first and foremost on our data, our people, and our culture. By prioritizing a transformation across all these levels, we believe we will be able to not only better understand our customers, but also facilitate more creative ways to meet their needs and better serve our stakeholders.”

 

Dr. Thomas Redman, the “Data Doc,” also added, “I am so excited for colleagues at Gulf Bank, who are embarking on a new, data-driven adventure that will empower everything they aim to do. Now more than ever, organizations must recognize the fundamental importance of data and data quality. I am excited to witness a palpable digital transformation at the employee level at Gulf Bank, and I am excited to witness the successes that Gulf Bank’s Data Ambassadors will achieve both within the Bank and beyond.”

 

Gulf Bank plans to hold its Data Ambassadors program annually as part of its commitment to upskill new employees and enhance existing talent. The Bank also plans to launch a bank-wide Data Literacy program to upskill Gulf Bank employees on an ongoing basis, and enable departments to create automated data flows and use state-of-the-art tools and technologies to advance projects. Notably, Gulf Bank’s Chief Data Officer (CDO), Mai Al-Owaish, is also the first female CDO in Kuwait and a board member of the world-renowned Digital Analytics Association (DAA).

 

Gulf Bank's vision is to be the leading Kuwaiti Bank of the Future. The Bank is constantly engaging and empowering its employees as part of an inclusive and diversified workplace in recognition of every employee’s role in delivering customer excellence and serving the community at large. With its extensive network of branches and innovative digital services, Gulf Bank is able to give its customers the choice of how and where to conduct their banking transactions, all while ensuring a simple and seamless banking experience.

 

Gulf Bank is committed to maintaining a robust sustainability program at the community, economic, and environmental levels through sustainability initiatives that are strategically selected to benefit both the country and the Bank. Gulf Bank supports Kuwait Vision 2035 “New Kuwait” and works with the different relevant parties to achieve it.