“Do Things on Purpose.”
Brian R. Wood is an accomplished data and technology leader whose career spans more than three and a half decades at the forefront of analytics, enterprise architecture, and performance management. His guiding philosophy—“Do things on purpose”—has shaped his reputation as a deliberate, forward-looking professional who merges strategic vision with operational precision. Over the years, he has built a legacy of helping organizations navigate complex transformations, implement cutting-edge data solutions, and unlock business value across industries and geographies.
Mr. Wood’s professional journey began with early technical roles that quickly demonstrated his aptitude for synthesizing business needs with emerging technologies. At the University of Rhode Island Health Services and South County Clinical Trials, he was entrusted with integrating medical data systems, setting the stage for a career defined by bridging information and impact. His next position as a Systems Analyst with HMSA Blue Cross/Blue Shield in Hawaii further refined his technical foundation, as he worked to enhance claims systems and community health processes. These formative years provided both the technical grounding and the client-facing perspective that would inform his future leadership roles.
By the late 1980s, Mr. Wood co-founded Business Solutions Corporation, where he served as Vice President and COO. In this role, he learned firsthand the challenges of scaling an organization, balancing business development with operations, and ensuring client delivery aligned with strategic goals. His entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his ability to mentor teams and foster innovation, gave him invaluable insight into the dynamics of leadership. This experience served as a springboard for his transition into the world’s leading consulting firms.
Throughout the 1990s, Mr. Wood took on progressively senior roles at IBM, KPMG, and Cap Gemini, shaping CRM and enterprise solutions for multinational organizations. At IBM Global Services, he was responsible for global mentoring programs, methodology development, and the implementation of advanced technologies such as workflow, BPM, and CTI middleware. His ability to anticipate the implications of emerging technology positioned him as a trusted advisor to executives navigating rapid digital change. At KPMG and Cap Gemini, he oversaw customer value management and technical design groups, managing large-scale integration efforts and guiding industry-leading insurance and financial services clients through transformations that delivered measurable results.
Mr. Wood’s reputation as a thought leader in analytics and corporate performance management reached new heights during his tenure as Research Director at Gartner. Here, he became a recognized authority in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Corporate Performance Management (CPM), and compliance architecture. He authored influential research, co-chaired international conferences, and advised clients across Europe and North America on technology strategies that addressed both regulatory and business imperatives. His insights into governance, risk, and compliance placed him at the nexus of technology and corporate accountability, further establishing his industry credibility.
At SAP Labs, where he spent over a decade, Mr. Wood advanced to the role of Product Strategist and Expert, helping to shape the company’s global Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) strategy. He played a pivotal role in the rollout and adoption of BW/4HANA, oversaw the development of SAP’s Performance Management and Analytics strategy, and mentored customers as they transitioned to data-centric enterprise models. He also chaired the Americas’ SAP Users’ Group (ASUG) EDW Influence Council, where he worked directly with customers to prioritize enhancements and foster engagement. This blend of internal strategy development and external advocacy reflected his rare ability to serve as both architect and ambassador for transformational solutions.
After SAP, Mr. Wood brought his expertise to McKinsey & Company as Senior Enterprise Data Architect, supporting internal systems design and architecture. He then joined Fidelity Investments as a Principal Data Analyst, guiding advanced analytics initiatives and spearheading the migration of legacy systems to cloud-native platforms such as AWS, Snowflake, and Collibra. His work in designing target architectures for analytical and operational systems enabled Fidelity to achieve greater scalability, resilience, and efficiency, reflecting his ongoing ability to combine high-level strategy with tangible execution.
In subsequent roles as Research Director for both Dresner Advisory Services and IDC, Mr. Wood returned to the forefront of market analysis and industry influence. At IDC, he covered global IT consulting and systems integration markets, analyzing trends across Oracle, Microsoft, SAP, and Salesforce ecosystems. His work at Dresner expanded on analytic data infrastructure, data governance, and ModelOps, solidifying his role as a trusted voice on how organizations can responsibly and effectively scale data science and machine learning initiatives.
Beyond his professional career, Mr. Wood has made contributions to the nonprofit sector, including advisory work in India. He has also cultivated personal passions that reflect his appreciation for balance, curiosity, and culture—whether biking and hiking in nature, skiing, sailing, or building his wine collection. These pursuits underscore his belief that leadership is not only about technical acumen but also about living with intentionality, pursuing diverse interests, and fostering resilience.
Today, Mr. Wood is sought after as both a board candidate and an executive advisor. His 35 years of experience across consulting, research, product strategy, and enterprise architecture uniquely position him to help organizations navigate complex digital transformations, strengthen governance frameworks, and align data strategies with business objectives. With a career marked by intentional action, thought leadership, and measurable results, he stands as a consummate professional whose influence continues to shape industries and inspire teams around the world.
Character:
Brian Wood exemplifies integrity, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. He consistently aligns his decisions with a clear set of values, ensuring that his actions deliver meaningful outcomes for organizations and communities alike. His commitment to mentoring teams and serving nonprofit initiatives highlights his belief in the importance of giving back.
Knowledge:
With more than 35 years of experience, Brian possesses deep expertise across data architecture, performance management, and advanced analytics. His leadership roles at SAP, Gartner, Fidelity, McKinsey, and IDC demonstrate a mastery of both technical detail and executive-level strategy. He is recognized as a subject matter expert whose insights have guided both Fortune 100 companies and emerging innovators.
Strategic:
Brian has a proven ability to anticipate industry trends and translate them into actionable strategies. From shaping SAP’s global EDW roadmap to guiding cloud migration at Fidelity, his career illustrates a talent for balancing innovation with practical execution. He is equally adept at advising on market strategy, governance, and product development, ensuring organizations stay ahead of the curve.
Communication:
Known for his clarity, presence, and influence, Brian is a skilled communicator across written, verbal, and public speaking forums. His published research and international presentations have informed global audiences, while his leadership in influence councils has created stronger bonds between enterprises and customers. His ability to bridge technical and business language makes him a trusted voice across diverse stakeholders.
