VP Data Governance & Management

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. As part of Team Amex, you'll experience this powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career.

Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.

How will you make an impact in this role?

The U.S. Consumer Services Business Unit is responsible for our suite of consumer products, services, and experiences in the U.S., including our premium, cobrand, cash back, and lending portfolios, Membership Rewards, Global Travel & Lifestyle Services, the Centurion Lounge network, our Global Dining and Resy businesses, U.S. Consumer Banking, and best-in-class marketing programs across customer, prospect, and partner channels. The USCS team is focused on making membership an indisputable competitive advantage and helping each other become better leaders every day.

The objective of the U.S. Consumer Data Office team is to bring together all data governance and data risk management teams within U.S. Consumer into one Data Office team, which will work closely with the Data Governance team in the Technology organization.

U.S. Consumer Services is seeking a dynamic data governance and risk leader to execute and embed the U.S. Consumer Data Risk and Governance strategy in partnership with global and BU leadership teams. This role will focus on translating enterprise data policies, standards, and risk frameworks into effective, scalable execution across key data domains and processes. Ensure ongoing compliance with the Enterprise Data Management Operating Policy and related standards across assigned domains, keeping them aligned with enterprise data risk expectations. The VP, Data Governance & Risk Management, will partner closely with the U.S. Consumer Data Office, Technology, Product, and Risk teams to strengthen governance discipline, manage data risk end-to-end, and drive responsible data use that supports business growth, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

The VP, Data Management & Governance will:

• Execute and sustain the Enterprise Data Risk Management Policy across assigned U.S. Consumer business lines, ensuring effective adoption of governance and control standards in partnership with global and BU data leaders.

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of data governance and risk professionals; serve as Co-Lead for the India site to foster collaboration, engagement, and mentorship across the broader governance and control community.

• Embed and enhance the Data Risk Governance Framework by driving awareness, training, and knowledge sharing to strengthen data risk culture and execution consistency. Oversee data stewards and custodians to ensure consistent policy application and accountability.

• Manage end-to-end data risk execution — identifying, assessing, and remediating data risks across products and processes; maintaining and testing controls; monitoring risk indicators; and escalating material issues through the Enterprise Risk Governance Framework.

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners (Enterprise Data Office, Control Management, Second Line, Product and Process Owners) to align risk controls, analyze and prioritize data issues, and support resolution of Operational Risk Events (OREs) and regulatory requirements.

• Drive continuous improvement and innovation by refining processes, tools, and local capabilities that enhance data quality, simplify governance adoption, and improve business efficiency; contribute insights to governance forums and the evolving Data Governance roadmap.

Minimum Qualifications

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  8–12 years of experience in data risk management, data governance, data quality, or related disciplines within financial services, with exposure to U.S. Consumer Services businesses (e.g., Cards, Membership Rewards, Lending, Dining, Travel, or Digital Banking).

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  Proven people leader with 6+ years of leadership, experienced in managing mid-sized, matrixed teams and collaborating across Business, Product, Technology, and Risk partners to deliver governance and control outcomes.

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  Hands-on expertise in data governance frameworks, data risk identification and control design, regulatory compliance, data quality and lineage, and emerging capabilities in analytics, automation, and AI/GenAI-enabled controls.

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  Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data and risk concepts into practical, actionable solutions

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  Demonstrated success executing large-scale data or control initiatives that deliver measurable risk reduction and operational efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

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  Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Risk Management, Data Science, or Information Systems; advanced degrees (MBA/MSc) or relevant certifications in data, technology, or information management are a plus.

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  Strategic yet hands-on leader with 6+ years of team leading experience connecting governance and risk management initiatives to business outcomes.

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  Excellent communicator and influencer, skilled at simplifying complex data and risk concepts for diverse audiences and preparing executive-ready materials.

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  Risk-aware and innovation-focused, balancing automation, analytics, and emerging technologies with regulatory and operational constraints.

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  Strong program management capability, with proven success leading multiple large-scale data or control initiatives and integrating Data Risk Management practices into RCSA and business processes.

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  Collaborative and coaching-oriented, fostering a culture of stewardship, accountability, and continuous improvement across teams; experience with regulatory data governance, data breach reporting, or issues management is preferred

We back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:

• Competitive base salaries
• Bonus incentives
• Support for financial-well-being and retirement
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits (depending on location)
• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
• Generous paid parental leave policies (depending on your location)
• Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
• Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
• Career development and training opportunities

American Express is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law.

Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.