Peter Denyer

Experience

• 

  Bull Information Systems

  Jan 1991 - Jan 1998

  In my role, I managed a finance team across three countries, mentoring local successors to transition into leadership roles seamlessly. By leveraging internal reporting mechanisms, I identified critical issues in stock management, receivables, and contracts, collaborating with regional management to implement solutions that strengthened financial control and operational efficiency. As a Finance Analyst, I provided financial analysis for the Systems Integration Division, with a turnover of £450 million. I streamlined monthly reporting and forecasting processes, reducing turnaround time from days to hours while maintaining precision and reliability. In this role, I served as the finance representative on a team developing a global methodology for managing large IT contracts. I also led the creation and rollout of a Profit & Loss and Cash-flow modelling tool, which equipped project managers with enhanced financial oversight and decision-making capabilities.

  • Regional Finance Manager

    Jan 1996 - Jan 1998

  • Financial Analyst

    Jan 1994 - Jan 1996

  • Financial Project Management

    Jan 1993 - Jan 1994

  • Finance Graduate

    Jan 1991 - Jan 1993
• 

  Ringier

  Jan 1998 - Jan 2000

  Finance Director, Romania

  As Finance Director, I steered the organisation through significant restructuring and rapid growth, driving strategic initiatives, including product launches, an acquisition, and the formation of joint ventures to strengthen market presence. Leading a multidisciplinary team of over 50 professionals, I implemented a management information and reporting framework, enhancing financial oversight and operational efficiency during this transformative period.

• 

  Alan Dick & Company

  Jan 2002 - Jan 2005

  As Finance Systems Manager at AlanDick, UK, I led the global implementation of a new ERP system (IFS), ensuring a seamless transition and improved operational efficiency. Collaborating with finance leaders across multiple regions, I standardised workflows, addressed regional complexities, and aligned local practices with the global framework. I also designed and documented best-practice finance processes, working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver a cohesive and integrated ERP rollout. Show less

  • Finance Systems Manager

    Jan 2004 - Jan 2005

  • Finance Manager, Cameroon

    Jan 2002 - Jan 2004
• 

  Shell

  May 2005 - May 2025

  As Chief Data Officer, I led a cross-functional organisation of data architects, data management professionals, and business CDOs, championing a vision to embed a data-centric culture. My role centered on enhancing company-wide data accessibility, clarity, and reliability while strategically demonstrating the value of data architecture to stakeholders. This resulted in a streamlined organisational structure that fostered both innovation and efficiency.In addition, I strengthened data governance by introducing a clear, actionable framework that empowered leaders to align with compliance standards. By establishing a comprehensive data management tooling portfolio, I ensured the delivery of high-quality, reliable data that supported informed decision-making. My efforts in mitigating data-related risks within IT projects reinforced data as a cornerstone of strategic initiatives.Through targeted programmes, I drove enterprise-wide data literacy and cultivated a data-informed culture, equipping teams to maximise the value of data assets. Additionally, I oversaw sustainable practices by delivering projects on time and within budget while actively reducing Shell’s travel-related carbon footprint, aligning with the organisation’s environmental commitments. Show less As General Manager of Data Operations, I led a team of over 250 data professionals, ensuring excellence in data management across the Downstream and Finance functions. I transformed the organisation's culture by shifting from a reactive approach to proactively addressing data challenges, delivering solutions that enhanced business value. My efforts included defining a clear vision for finance data reliability, supported by a strategic roadmap that aligned execution with organisational goals.In addition, I developed and implemented cross-functional governance frameworks to address complex data reliability challenges spanning multiple teams. By fostering collaboration and accountability, I ensured effective solutions were realised, driving consistent improvements in data quality and operational outcomes. Show less As Finance Data Owner, I led the creation and execution of a comprehensive Finance Data Strategy, resolved legacy data issues, and prepared the organisation for a seamless transition to SAP S/4HANA. I established robust data governance frameworks, collaborating with senior finance leaders, data owners, and data stewards to prioritise and drive data-focused initiatives.My efforts significantly improved finance data quality, providing a solid foundation for operational modernisation through automation and digital transformation. Leading a team of 20 developers, I implemented AI-driven automation to enhance data quality metrics, streamline error detection, and improve overall efficiency. Show less As Retail & Real Estate Data Manager, I led a team of 55 professionals overseeing data management for Shell’s retail fuel stations and Corporate Real Estate portfolio. My focus on operational accuracy and efficiency enabled us to deliver exceptional support for business goals while driving meaningful improvements across the organisation.I spearheaded efforts to reduce data errors by over 95%, implementing sustainable solutions that curtailed new errors by more than 90%, leading to significant cost savings and operational reliability. By applying Six Sigma and Robotic Process Automation, I achieved consecutive annual headcount and cost reductions of 20%. By fostering a culture of engagement and growth, I strengthened team morale, transforming staff satisfaction from the bottom to the top quartile in internal surveys. Show less As Management Information Development Manager at Shell's Finance Service Centre in Chennai, I led the successful transition of global finance support operations to the centre, ensuring delivery of Shell Finance’s strategic goals. By streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions, I enhanced the delivery of actionable insights and operational efficiencies.Moreover, I developed web-based reporting tools for senior executives, replacing manual report production and enabling self-service access to management information. Leading a team of ten professionals, I ensured high-quality financial support for corporate functions while fostering team growth. Notably, I delivered a flagship project standardising IT expenditure tracking across major capital projects exceeding $200 million, unifying systems and practices across business units and ERP platforms. Show less As IT Planning and Reporting Manager, I provided strategic financial support to IT executives by delivering clear, actionable Management Information and overseeing the annual global IT planning process. My efforts ensured a streamlined budgeting cycle and enabled data-driven decision-making at the highest levels.I simplified reporting of billions of dollars of Shell’s IT spend, transforming complex data into focused insights that helped leadership prioritise key issues and interventions. Additionally, I led Shell’s finance participation in benchmarking IT performance and expenditures against industry peers, delivering critical insights that strengthened strategic direction and competitive positioning. Show less As IT Projects Finance Manager at Shell's head office in the Netherlands, I provided financial oversight for IT Infrastructure projects on over a $100 million budget, ensuring strategic decisions were informed by effective financial insights during a period of rapid growth. I streamlined and automated monthly management reporting, reducing preparation time and delivering clearer, more actionable insights to enhance project performance and financial outcomes.I streamlined the monthly management information pack by 90%, focusing on critical issues and enabling senior management to make more targeted decisions. By collaborating with finance managers across IT divisions, I centralised and standardised reporting processes, enhancing consistency and efficiency. Additionally, I implemented Cognos as a unified planning tool, replacing fragmented Excel-based systems to standardise planning and enable more robust sensitivity analyses. Show less

  • Chief Data Officer

    Feb 2023 - May 2025

  • General Manager

    Aug 2021 - Jan 2023

  • Finance Data Owner

    Oct 2017 - Aug 2021

  • Data Manager - Retail & Real Estate

    Apr 2014 - Sept 2017

  • MI Development Manager

    Jul 2010 - Mar 2014

  • IT Financial Planning and Appraisal Manager

    Apr 2006 - Jun 2010

  • IT Projects Finance Manager

    May 2005 - Apr 2006
• 

  Gartner Research Board

  Jul 2025 - now

  Vice President, Data & Analytics