Latitude Financial recruits The Iconic's data chief

Latitude Financial is bringing on The Iconic’s data chief to lead its data science and analytics efforts.

Kshira Saagar is currently the global group director of data science for The Iconic’s parent company, Global Fashion Group, a role he’s held for just over two years. He has worked in the data science industry across Australia, the US, Europe and Asia for the past 15 years including roles with Mu Sigma, Fairfax Media and Equifax.

In his new role as chief data officer at Latitude Financial, Saagar is tasked with expanding the financial services player’s digital and data capabilities and building out personalised merchant and consumer experiences. He officially steps into the position on 19 October.

Latitude chief operating officer, Andrew Walduck, said Saagar was joining the business at an important time for growth, particularly as it continues to respond and pivot to adapt to the changes the COVID-19 crisis has brought to merchant and consumer interactions.

“Data points and algorithms will be a critical feature of our continued growth and our approach for our merchant partners and consumers,” Walduck said. “Kshira’s extensive background in large organisations will help us drive this growth.”

Credit: Kshira Saagar

Saagar said he was looking forward to the challenge of making better use of data at Latitude Financial.

“Working for a retailer, in any position or role, gives someone the amazing ability to understand and appreciate everything from a customer-first lens and also apply customer-needs based solutions to all problems,” he commented. “Working for a digital retailer heightens that understanding and also provide the ability to parse through billions of rows and touchpoints to turn these insights into rapidly implementable actions that can help make customers’ lives better.”

Latitude currently boasts of 2.7 million customers for its shopping and credit card products across Australia and New Zealand.

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