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 at the forefront of Project Management, Business Analysis, and Data Science, dedicated to transforming complex data into actionable insights. My career spans pivotal roles such as Senior Project Manager, Strategic Transformation Lead, and Product Development Manager, with a focus on analytics, strategy, and ethics in product and program management.

As a Data Translator, I specialise in bridging the gap between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders. This unique ability has been crucial in strategic project management and data-informed decision-making, enabling me to foster substantial organizational growth and transformation.

My experience extends across diverse industries, where I have developed expertise in training design, change management, and digital transformation. I excel in designing change strategies and leading digital initiatives that empower teams to adapt to organizational shifts, ensuring sustainable growth. Additionally, I have designed and implemented instructional training programs and e-learning solutions that align with organisational goals and drive continuous development.

I bring a well-rounded skill set to the data domain, encompassing the design and development of products, processes, policies, and frameworks, as well as expertise in data governance and data management. My work ensures that data-driven solutions are both scalable and strategically aligned to deliver meaningful results.

My academic background, including an MBA from the University of Strathclyde, complements my professional journey. It has equipped me with advanced skills in program and project management, risk analysis, and leadership, which I demonstrated during a strategic consultancy project with a global organization.

Core Areas of Expertise:

Change Management & Digital Transformation: Skilled in designing and implementing strategies that enable organizations to adapt to change and leverage digital tools for growth.
Training Design & Development: Proficient in crafting instructional design, e-learning modules, and tailored training programs to upskill teams.
Programme & Project Management: Expertise in strategic planning, agile methodologies, and financial management.
Data Governance & Business Intelligence: Specialised in data reporting, predictive modeling, and building ethical data policies.
Leadership & Resilience: Drawing from my military training, I bring strategic thinking, discipline, and adaptability to every role.

I am passionate about leveraging my diverse expertise to drive innovation, inspire teams, and deliver transformative results. I am actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with forward-thinking organizations looking to harness the power of data and change management for impactful growth.

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 this period, I undertook a series of customer-focused interim roles, each offering unique challenges and learning opportunities. These positions allowed me to develop a versatile skill set in customer service, communication, and problem-solving across different industries.

Customer Service Advisor at Energy First - British Gas, Leeds: In this role, I was responsible for addressing customer inquiries and concerns, providing detailed product information, and ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.
Enquiry Management Advisor at Volkswagen Passenger Cars - Ventura, Leeds Valley Park: My responsibilities included managing customer enquiries, offering tailored solutions, and maintaining strong customer relationships while upholding the brand's high standards.
Customer Service Agent at John Lewis Direct - Becogent, Glasgow: Here, I provided top-tier customer service for John Lewis' online shopping division, handling order inquiries, resolving issues, and contributing to the team's overall success in delivering an exceptional online shopping experience.

Each of these roles contributed significantly to my proficiency in customer service, enhancing my ability to work effectively under pressure and my capability to adapt to various business settings.

2008 - 2010

Strategy Consultant, Honeywell Test & Measurement

University of Strathclyde

Glasgow

As part of my MBA dissertation at the University of Strathclyde, I undertook a pivotal consulting project with Honeywell Test & Measurement, a major player in the UK's Test and Measurement industry. This strategic business unit of Honeywell International was exploring opportunities to expand its market presence in the UK.

Project Highlights:

Market Entry Strategy: Developed a comprehensive market entry strategy for the SBU, tailored to the unique dynamics and competitive landscape of the UK market.
Strategic Options Development: Identified and evaluated various strategic avenues for Honeywell, aiding in determining the most effective entry point strategy in the UK.
Portfolio Analysis: Provided in-depth analysis of Honeywell's existing product portfolio, highlighting gaps and suggesting improvements to align with market needs and opportunities.
Business Opportunities Identification: Assessed the market to pinpoint new business opportunities, enabling Honeywell to capitalize on unexplored market segments and customer needs.
Sales Channel Recommendations: Advised on optimal sales channels for Honeywell's successful operation in the UK, considering factors like market reach, customer preferences, and logistical efficiency.

This consultancy role required a deep understanding of market dynamics, strategic thinking, and practical solution-building, contributing significantly to Honeywell’s strategic planning for the UK market.

2008

MBA Graduate

University of Strathclyde

Glasgow

Programme Highlights:
As a member of the esteemed Full-Time MBA (Vorlich) cohort, I completed the intensive one-year MBA programme at the University of Strathclyde Business School, graduating in November 2008. My MBA journey was marked by active involvement and leadership - I served on the 9-member Student Committee, acting as a vital link between the student body and management, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.

Academic Focus:

Electives: Specialized in Programme and Project Management, Project Risk Analysis and Management, and Leadership, gaining advanced skills essential for strategic and operational excellence.

Dissertation Project in Strategy: Collaboratively worked as part of a select 5-member team, chosen from a pool of 65 students. Our project entailed serving as Strategy Analysts for Honeywell, where we developed a comprehensive market entry strategy for a major market segment. This project provided a practical application of strategic concepts, enhancing my analytical and strategic planning abilities.

2007 - 2008

Instructional Designer

NIIT Limited

New Delhi

As an Instructional Designer at NIIT Ltd in New Delhi, India, I was part of a global leader in e-learning solutions, recognized for its innovative learning technologies and interactive teaching methods. NIIT Ltd, with its extensive workforce and operations across 32 countries, specializes in providing comprehensive knowledge solutions to a wide array of sectors globally.

My key achievements in this role included:

E-Learning Course Development: I led the design and development of various e-learning courses, ranging from custom soft-skills modules to specialized courses in insurance claims training.
Cross-Functional Team Management: I successfully managed cross-functional teams, including graphics and technical departments, ensuring the delivery of zero-defect products.
Client Relationship Management: Throughout the project execution phase, I was instrumental in fostering and maintaining strong client relationships.
Pre-Sales Contribution: I played a significant role in the pre-sales process, creating compelling responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

My primary duties encompassed:

Project Planning and Risk Management: I led project planning initiatives, which included risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and quality assurance processes.
Training Needs Analysis: I conducted comprehensive analyses to tailor training content to specific learning requirements.
Content Development Standards: I developed instructional templates and style guides, standardizing content creation processes.
Collaboration with Subject Matter Experts: I worked closely with SMEs to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the instructional content.
Storyboard Scripting and Editing: My responsibilities included scripting, reviewing, and editing storyboards to ensure clarity and engagement in course materials.
Tool Utilization: I utilized various authoring tools and NIIT’s ASPEN Learner Content Management System for content development, reporting, and data analysis.
Instructor-Led Training Design: I designed and developed Instructor-Led Trainings (ILTs) using tools like Adobe (Macromedia) Captivate and the Lectora International Publishing Suite.
Resource and Client Management: I effectively managed team resources and client relationships to ensure the delivery of high-quality e-learning solutions.

In summary, my role as an Instructional Designer at NIIT Ltd involved leading various aspects of e-learning development, from course design to client engagement, ensuring the delivery of effective and high-quality educational content.

2005 - 2007

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