BBVA Elevates David Puente as its Global Head of Data, Pushing Big Data Agenda

Spanish multinational bank BBVA has appointed one of its veterans, David Puente, to the newly created role of Global Head of Data, a highly touted position at the group aimed at advancing its big data agenda, according to a company statement.

The promotion of Mr. Puente represents his first role in this area of focus, having previously worked at BBVA as a project manager. Banks over the past few years have been diverting resources and personnel into such avenues as big data research and other digitized agendas in a bid to take advantage of shifting demographics and a move away from traditional banking.

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Mr. Puente’s appointment will see him focus on big data and other software initiatives at BBVA, which will build on its existing efforts. Currently, BBVA boasts a functional data and analytics center, though the shakeup in its management structure represents a continued stroke in fostering its strategic use of data across all the areas and businesses of the group.

Mr. Puente has been with BBVA since 2004 – per the appointment, he will be reporting directly to CEO Carlos Torres Vila. His official mandate will be overseeing, developing, and implementing BBVA’s global data strategy, with a focus on the aforementioned channels.

According to Mr. Torres Vila, in a statement on the appointment and agenda of the group: “Maximizing the potential of data is essential to create opportunities for our clients and customers and this new organization will allow us to accelerate our plans.”