Avinash Boroowa, MBA

Helping organisations leverage the transformative power of data

I'm Avi...

... a seasoned Data and Technology Translator. I specialize in seamlessly bridging the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders. My expertise lies in the realms of Analytics, Strategy, Product Development, and Programme & Project Management, underpinned by a solid background in training and development.

My Journey

I am a seasoned professional working at the intersection of Project Management, Business Analysis, and Data Science, with a strong track record of turning complex data into strategic, actionable insights. My career spans senior roles including Strategic Transformation Lead, Senior Project Manager, and Product Development Manager, underpinned by a focus on analytics, digital strategy, and ethical innovation.

As a Data Translator, I bridge the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders—translating data science into clear, business-relevant decisions. This ability has proven critical in driving data-informed transformation and fostering alignment across enterprise programmes.

My experience spans diverse sectors, where I have led initiatives in digital transformation, change management, and training design. I’ve developed and delivered scalable change strategies, e-learning solutions, and instructional programmes that equip teams to adapt and thrive amid evolving organisational goals.

In the data domain, I offer a comprehensive skill set—from designing and embedding data governance frameworks to delivering enterprise reporting, predictive analytics, and ethically grounded data policies. My work consistently ensures that data is not just managed, but activated as a strategic asset.

My academic foundation includes an MBA from the University of Strathclyde, where I honed my expertise in programme management, risk, strategy, and leadership—skills I applied in delivering strategic consultancy for a global client during the programme.

Core Areas of Expertise:

Digital Transformation & Change Management: Designing and implementing strategies that enable sustainable, future-ready growth.
Instructional Design & Training Delivery: Creating effective e-learning solutions and capability-building programmes.
Programme & Project Leadership: Leading multi-phase, cross-functional initiatives with agility and strategic oversight.
Data Governance & Business Intelligence: Specialising in data strategy, reporting, predictive analytics, and ethical data use.
Leadership & Resilience: Bringing discipline, clarity, and strategic focus from my military and consulting background.

I am passionate about partnering with forward-thinking organisations to unlock value through data, empower people through change, and deliver results that are as sustainable as they are strategic.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Senior Business Analyst

The Bicester Collection™

Bicester

I help enterprise organisations, like The Bicester Collection, transform into data-driven businesses by embedding governance at scale. I’ve led the rollout of foundational frameworks including the Data Governance Framework, Data Advisory Board, and Microsoft Purview Proof of Concept. By aligning metadata, access, and domain models with programme delivery and prototyping scalable data quality processes, I’ve enabled a trusted data foundation that accelerates AI readiness and drives better business decisions.

Key Achievements & Responsibilities:

Established the enterprise Data Governance Framework, adopted across the DNA programme for ownership, access, and certification.
Authored and progressed the Data Governance Policy, aligning lifecycle, ownership, and classification principles with information management standards.
Operationalised the Data Advisory Board (DAB), embedding decision-making, risk oversight, and strategic prioritisation.
Led the Microsoft Purview Proof of Concept, validating Data Management Capabilites like lineage, glossary, and metadata harvesting.
Developed a Data Domain Model and Access Management Framework, enabling structured stewardship and scalable access controls.
Designed and piloted a triage-based Data Request Process, streamlining intake across 4+ initiatives and reducing ambiguity in delivery.
Piloted a Certified Reporting Framework, starting with the Weekly Business Review dashboard to formalise trust criteria.
Prototyped a scalable Data Quality operating model, integrating live Cube issues into cross-functional triage and resolution workflows.
Embedded governance into the data delivery lifecycle, ensuring sustainability and future service transition readiness.
Built senior stakeholder engagement across Data Strategy, Legal, Risk, and Technology, positioning governance as a delivery enabler.

2023 to present

Multiple roles

The Open University

Milton Keynes

Summary:
Over an 11-year tenure at The Open University, I led enterprise-wide programmes at the intersection of data, analytics, and education. My work shaped ethical data policies, scaled predictive analytics for student support, and delivered critical infrastructure to support strategic growth. I built lasting frameworks—from governance and product backlogs to analytics training and digital media strategies—that continue to influence how the OU delivers insight, equity, and innovation in learning.

Business Relationship Manager (Senior Project Manager), Chief Data Office
Feb 2023 – Nov 2023
Led the alignment of student services transformation projects with enterprise data capabilities.

Designed the Data Service Matrix to improve planning and prioritisation, coordinated inputs to over 8 initiatives, and embedded data teams across 4 strategic change programmes—enabling a 25% improvement in resource forecasting and early risk mitigation.

Data Change Lead – Apprenticeships Change Programme
Dec 2019 – Jan 2023
Delivered the £2m Data & MI Infrastructure Project, replacing legacy reporting with a Power BI platform and Azure data stack.

Established a Data Quality Management Framework and Target Operating Model to support operational scalability and compliance in apprenticeship delivery.

Built and led a cross-functional Agile team delivering dashboards and governance for strategic growth.

Senior Product Development Manager – Advanced Analytics and Data Science
Jul 2019 – Dec 2019

Developed the enterprise analytics roadmap to support student success, TEF, WAS, and quality monitoring.
Owned the analytics backlog, prioritising enhancements to predictive models.
Partnered with Student Support and Planning to embed insights into decision-making.
Launched a university-wide training programme on ethical analytics adoption.

Project Lead – Early Alert Indicators Project
Jul 2016 – Jul 2019

Led the £650k AI-driven Early Alert Indicators Project, delivering a dashboard used by 4,000+ educators.
Awards and nominations include:
- OU Research Excellence Award (2019)
- Finalist, Times Higher Education Awards (2019)
- Top 4 Finalist, UNESCO Prize (2020)
- Winner, DataIQ Data for Society Award (2020)
Integrated analytics into teaching practices and student support, improving retention and satisfaction.

Workstream Lead – University Analytics Programme

Dec 2013 – Jul 2016

Directed three core workstreams—Ethics, Predictive Modelling, and Interventions—within a £1m strategic analytics initiative.
Authored the Policy on Ethical Use of Student Data and created the Analytics for Action (A4A) framework, now institutionalised in quality assurance.
Led trials and RCTs to evaluate student interventions and founded the Analytics Community of Practice.

Senior Media Project Manager
Jun 2012 – Dec 2013

Delivered flagship digital learning and broadcast projects in partnership with the BBC and academic faculties.
Oversaw end-to-end production of multimedia assets (video, audio, interactive), reaching thousands of distance learners.
Ensured regulatory and accessibility compliance and shaped the future digital media operating model for scalable delivery.

2012 - 2023

Project Manager

City and Guilds Kineo Ltd

Sheffield

I helped global clients, including FTSE 100 companies and public sector organisations, bring complex digital learning solutions to life. At Kineo, I delivered high-impact custom e-learning and mobile learning projects, managing up to 20 concurrent workstreams. I blended agile delivery, solution design, and instructional consulting to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery with measurable ROI. My work contributed to mobile learning innovation, pre-sales success, and the scalable growth of Kineo’s digital learning portfolio.

Key Achievements & Responsibilities:

Delivered 20+ concurrent projects spanning custom e-learning, mobile learning, rapid development, and LMS deployments.
Developed award-nominated mobile learning solutions using native iOS/web apps (Sencha Touch, J-Query Mobile, Titanium).
Managed end-to-end project lifecycles — from budgeting, resourcing, and risk management to final client sign-off across multinational accounts.
Led solution design and pre-sales for RFPs, technical specifications, pricing models, and client presentations, helping secure new business.
Oversaw cross-functional delivery teams (onshore/offshore), ensuring quality, consistency, and on-time delivery across geographies.
Acted as a learning design consultant, aligning UX and instructional strategy with business outcomes and learner engagement.
Built and maintained trusted client relationships, becoming a go-to advisor for learning strategy and implementation.
Introduced delivery frameworks to reduce rework, elevate client satisfaction, and enable repeat business.
Contributed to internal capability building, mentoring junior PMs and sharing delivery best practices across teams.

2010 - 2012

Various Interim Roles

Various Organisations

Glasgow, Leeds

During a career pivot, I took on interim roles across energy, retail, and automotive sectors, rapidly adapting to high-volume, customer-facing environments. These roles sharpened my ability to work under pressure, resolve complex issues, and maintain brand-aligned service standards. I strengthened my communication, empathy, and cross-functional coordination skills—foundations that continue to support my stakeholder engagement work today.

Key Achievements & Responsibilities:

Customer Service Advisor – Energy First, British Gas (Leeds): Handled complex billing and account queries in a fast-paced environment, ensuring regulatory compliance and a high standard of service for energy customers.
Enquiry Management Advisor – Volkswagen Passenger Cars (Ventura, Leeds): Resolved customer issues and coordinated across departments to uphold brand experience and service SLAs.
Customer Service Agent – John Lewis Direct (Becogent, Glasgow): Delivered tier-1 support for the online shopping platform, handling order tracking, escalations, and service recovery.
Recognised for delivering empathetic, solution-focused support across all roles, consistently meeting or exceeding customer satisfaction benchmarks.
Demonstrated high levels of adaptability and resilience, quickly onboarding across diverse systems and industry protocols.
Built strong cross-functional communication, liaising with technical, logistics, and service departments to drive rapid issue resolution.

2008 - 2010

Strategy Consultant, Honeywell Test & Measurement

University of Strathclyde

Glasgow

As part of my MBA dissertation, I undertook a strategic consulting engagement with Honeywell’s Test & Measurement division, providing actionable insights for UK market expansion. My work delivered strategic clarity on growth avenues, portfolio gaps, and sales channel optimisation—helping Honeywell identify high-impact opportunities in a competitive landscape.

Key Achievements & Responsibilities:

Conducted an in-depth market entry analysis for Honeywell Test & Measurement’s UK expansion strategy, identifying high-potential customer segments and competitive differentiators.
Evaluated strategic options across product, partnership, and channel strategies, enabling leadership to make informed investment decisions.
Analysed Honeywell’s existing product portfolio, identifying alignment gaps and recommending enhancements to better meet local customer needs.
Assessed market dynamics and competitor positioning to pinpoint unexplored business opportunities and inform tactical market penetration plans.
Delivered sales channel recommendations, tailored to customer preferences and logistical efficiencies, supporting scalable UK operations.
Developed and presented a strategic report to senior Honeywell stakeholders—demonstrating analytical rigour, commercial insight, and practical feasibility.

2008

MBA Graduate

University of Strathclyde

Glasgow

I completed an intensive, full-time MBA at one of the UK’s leading business schools, specialising in Programme & Project Management, Risk, and Strategic Leadership. Through hands-on consultancy work with Honeywell and active involvement in the student committee, I applied theory to practice and honed my ability to solve complex business problems, influence stakeholders, and deliver strategic value.

Key Achievements & Responsibilities:

Served as 1 of 9 members on the MBA Student Committee, facilitating effective communication between faculty and the full-time cohort and supporting student experience.
Selected as part of an elite 5-member Strategy Consulting team (from a cohort of 65) to advise Honeywell Test & Measurement on UK market expansion strategies.
Delivered a comprehensive market entry strategy, including competitor benchmarking, portfolio gap analysis, and sales channel optimisation—contributing to Honeywell’s strategic roadmap.
Developed strong foundations in financial analysis, leadership, and organisational behaviour, preparing me for cross-functional leadership roles.
Specialised in Programme & Project Management, Risk Management, and Strategic Leadership, enabling robust planning, execution, and oversight of complex initiatives.

2007 - 2008

Instructional Designer

NIIT Limited

New Delhi

As an Instructional Designer at NIIT Ltd, I developed high-impact e-learning content for global clients across sectors such as banking, insurance, and technology. My work involved translating complex subject matter into engaging, instructionally sound learning modules—ensuring clarity, learner retention, and alignment with business goals. I contributed to large-scale training programmes by blending pedagogy, visual design, and digital media delivery.

Key Achievements & Responsibilities:

Designed and developed instructionally sound e-learning modules, storyboards, and training simulations using industry standards (ADDIE, Bloom’s Taxonomy).
Collaborated with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to translate complex technical and financial content into learner-friendly material.
Produced content for major global clients, including Maybank, Allstate, and Amway, contributing to compliance, onboarding, and systems training.
Applied instructional design frameworks to deliver content that met learning objectives, engagement requirements, and knowledge assessment goals.
Worked with cross-functional teams including visual designers, media developers, and project managers to deliver multi-format learning solutions.
Supported SCORM-compliant courseware development, ensuring seamless LMS integration and performance tracking.
Contributed to template design and reusability standards, streamlining content development for large-scale rollouts.
Maintained high quality standards through peer reviews, pilot testing, and iterative refinement based on learner feedback and performance metrics.