Dennis Sebastian is an accomplished Data & Risk Analytics Leader with more than 20 years of progressive experience in data architecture, risk management, business intelligence, automation, and analytics. He has successfully driven enterprise-scale systems development, end-to-end SDLC delivery, and Agile transformations across financial services and consulting, with a strong focus on risk governance and data-driven strategies.

In his current role as Director of Data Architecture and Insights at American Express, Dennis leads cross-functional teams to design and implement enterprise-wide data strategies. He leverages advanced analytics, statistical modeling, and machine learning to transform structured and unstructured data into actionable insights. He has developed and embedded data governance frameworks to ensure regulatory compliance with OCC and Federal Reserve guidelines, while streamlining workflows and accelerating time-to-market for strategic initiatives. His leadership includes defining key performance indicators, reducing coding redundancies, and cultivating high-performing teams that drive sustainable business value.

Previously, as Senior Manager and Manager of Risk and Information Management at American Express, Dennis played a pivotal role in enhancing credit risk modeling, developing a unified CRU Portal used by hundreds of stakeholders, and implementing stress testing frameworks. During the COVID-19 crisis, he introduced targeted risk protocols that safeguarded portfolios and mitigated potential losses. His work consistently strengthened model governance, improved regulatory reporting, and advanced the use of automation to optimize risk processes.

Earlier in his career at Cognizant Technology Solutions in the U.S. and India, Dennis advanced from programmer to senior associate, leading automation-driven innovations and building scalable frameworks for data and risk processes. His contributions included award-nominated automation tools, efficient ETL workflows, and robust testing strategies, which delivered significant operational improvements across client engagements.

Dennis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Bharathidasan University, India. He has also earned certifications including Applied Business Science (AI Prompting) from the University of Utah, Leadership Excellence from Harvard University, and SAS Base and Advanced Programmer credentials, along with Sun Certified Java Programmer.

With deep expertise in analytics, compliance, and emerging technologies, Dennis continues to champion innovation, mentor talent, and drive data strategies that enable organizations to thrive in a complex regulatory and business landscape.