Bermuda-based data and software company Afiniti has appointed Caroline O’Brien as the organisation’s first chief data officer.

The company said Dr O’Brien will be responsible for leading data strategy and data engagement across Afiniti's fast-growing client base as it develops new applications of its patented behavioural pairing technology.

With deep technical knowledge in data science and vast experience deploying AI in enterprise environments, Afiniti said, Dr O’Brien is uniquely positioned to advocate for the role of high-quality, secure and ethically sourced data in AI models.

Dr O’Brien said: "The pandemic has accelerated the need for brands to connect with their customers remotely, which has been a key driver of Afiniti's growth in the last year.

"I am excited to continue working closely with clients to develop joint data strategies that are robust, effective and secure – so we can deliver even more value for them and their customers."

Previously, Dr O’Brien served as senior Vice President of data science and was responsible for leading a global team of AI and data science experts dedicated to advanced analytics, Afiniti said.

During her four years with Afiniti, the company said, she has also been responsible for Afiniti's new product pipeline and has contributed to Afiniti's growing patent portfolio.

Zia Chishti, CEO and chairman of Afiniti, said: "Caroline has delivered exceptional results for our clients over the past four years and I can't think of a better person to lead Afiniti's data strategy.

"As a global company, clients trust us to use their data responsibly and in compliance with local regulation everywhere we operate around the world. Caroline has a strong track record for governance and, as our first chief data officer, I know she will be a major force in Afiniti's continued growth and success."

Before joining Afiniti in 2017, Dr O’Brien was a postdoctoral research fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a data scientist at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

Through her research affiliation with Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences, Afiniti said, she is the author of more than 18 academic papers, has co-authored two books and remains active in the academic community, researching the application of engineering, data science and mathematics for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

She also advocates for the advancement of women in AI and data science, and is on the advisory board of Creatable, a female-focused STEM educational initiative.

An Australian now based in Bermuda, Dr O’Brien holds a doctorate in biomedical engineering from the University of New South Wales and a bachelors of mechanical engineering and arts with majors in mathematics and economics from the University of Queensland.

Afiniti, which was founded by Mr Chishti in 2005, said it is the world's leading provider of AI that pairs customers with contact center agents.