Ashton M. Thorogood is a seasoned technology executive with over 38 years of experience, renowned for his transformative approach to IT leadership and his commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to align with business objectives. With a career spanning across FinTech, capital markets, and financial services, Ashton has pioneered groundbreaking solutions in enterprise architecture, data strategy, and digital transformation, enabling organizations to gain a competitive edge in rapidly evolving markets. His dedication to fostering innovation through Agile methodologies, cloud solutions, AI, and blockchain technology has positioned him as a thought leader in both the technical and strategic realms of IT.
Currently, Ashton serves as the Assistant Vice President and Chief IT Architect at Venerable, where he plays a critical role in developing and executing data democratization platforms and enterprise modernization strategies. In this role, he works closely with finance and risk stakeholders to optimize technology solutions that address core business challenges. Ashton champions the shift from traditional project-based teams to Agile Product Delivery Teams, promoting a culture of continuous learning and knowledge-sharing through initiatives like the Venerable Tech Talks, which he sponsors.
Ashton’s expertise is rooted in his ability to integrate complex technological tools and frameworks that enhance operational efficiency and scalability. At Venerable, he successfully implemented advanced tools, including Jetbrains Datalore, Sigma Computing, GitHub CoPilot, and AWS Q, to improve the organization’s toolset and address operational gaps and designed bespoke core platforms for data cataloging, distribution and master data management. By steering the development of Venerable’s AI Adoption Framework and driving proof-of-concept projects, such as an AI-enabled Enterprise Search initiative, Ashton continues to push the boundaries of innovation and digital transformation.
Before his role at Venerable, Ashton held leadership positions at notable organizations, including AlphaPoint Corporation, the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and Susquehanna International Group (SIG). As a Senior Data Architect and Team Lead at AlphaPoint, Ashton spearheaded the development of data architecture for FinTech digital asset exchanges, focusing on blockchain product development and SaaS crypto-trading platforms. His work included designing robust frameworks for Trade Lifecycle Management and Membership Reward tokenization, as well as authoring a white paper on blockchain data modeling, highlighting his role as an innovator in blockchain technology.
As Head of Enterprise Architecture at NBME, Ashton was instrumental in transforming the organization’s IT culture, moving from passive internal contracting to proactive, value-driven partnerships. He championed cloud adoption strategies, prioritizing Microsoft Azure for platform services, and preparing for the re-platforming of critical business systems, including CRM, exam content management, and mobile solutions. Under his leadership, the IT team gained recognition for its alignment with business priorities and enhanced transparency, creating value for executive leadership and stakeholders alike.
At SIG, Ashton was noted as the co-designer of SIG’s core master data management solutions and internal enterprise order event messaging protocol and underlying domain model, enabling the near real-time integration of dozens of global trading systems with middle and back-office systems such as Compliance, Regulatory Reporting, Clearing and P&L. Ashton has presented this pattern and related practices at conferences and workshops and has continued to employ them in every successive role since.
A dedicated community contributor, Ashton is an active member of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Data Management Association (DAMA), where he frequently engages in discussions around data management best practices and industry trends. His involvement in DAMA underscores his commitment to advancing data governance and supporting the professional growth of his peers. Ashton is also an accomplished public speaker, having presented on topics such as data governance, blockchain, and enterprise architecture at industry conferences, including Enterprise Data World and the Forrester Enterprise Architecture Council.
In addition to his extensive technical expertise, Ashton has a unique ability to foster collaborative work environments that emphasize continuous improvement and agile transformation. His deep understanding of both Agile and Waterfall methodologies allows him to tailor project management approaches to meet the specific needs of each organization. As a coach and mentor, Ashton empowers his teams to embrace change and pursue innovative solutions, ensuring sustainable growth and development.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ashton is passionate about coaching and mentoring in his local community. Over the years, he has coached soccer and fencing at clubs such as Haverford Soccer Club and Liberty Fencing Alliance, demonstrating his dedication to youth development and teamwork. His experience as a coach reflects his leadership style: focused, strategic, and deeply committed to the growth of others.
Ashton holds a Master of Science in Information Systems from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was also an All-Ivy League fencer, following two successive junior national fencing titles and a US Team membership at the Junior World Championships. His educational background and competitive sports experience have shaped his disciplined, results-oriented approach to leadership, driving his pursuit of excellence in every aspect of his career.
Character:
Ashton Thorogood embodies a leadership style grounded in innovation, resilience, and collaboration. He is known for empowering teams to achieve growth and navigate complex challenges with a forward-thinking mindset.
Knowledge:
With expertise spanning enterprise architecture, data strategy, AI, blockchain, and cloud computing, Ashton’s knowledge encompasses both the technical depth and strategic insight needed for impactful IT transformations. His experience in the FinTech and capital markets sectors highlights his ability to apply cutting-edge technologies to drive business success.
Strategic:
Ashton’s strategic approach focuses on aligning IT initiatives with business objectives, ensuring that technology drives measurable value and sustainable growth. His emphasis on Agile transformations and data democratization exemplifies his dedication to fostering competitive advantage through innovation.
Communication:
Known for his clarity and effectiveness in communication, Ashton excels at distilling complex technical concepts into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders. His strong engagement with executive leadership and ability to facilitate transparency has earned him a reputation as a reliable and influential communicator in the industry.
