With a PhD in Astrophysics and over twenty years of data science experience, Alan Payne has been appointed as our Principal Data Scientist for Queensland Country Bank.

Queensland Country Bank CEO Aaron Newman said the newly created position will enable the member-owned bank to continue to improve and enhance data management practices and stay abreast of technology advancements to deliver on their service promise to Members.

“A key strategic goal for Queensland Country Bank is to develop and understand data that is accurate and purposeful, which allows us to provide products and services to assist our Members to fulfil their financial goals,” Mr Newman said.

“We recognise the need to have advanced specialised skills in data analytics to keep Queensland Country abreast of technology advancements, so when we became aware that Alan was looking to move from Brisbane to Townsville, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have someone with his extensive qualifications and experience join our organisation.

“Alan has worked across various fields including the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Department of Parliamentary Services and health funds including Queensland Country throughout his career, and has implemented data strategies, built complex models to solve business challenges, and managed teams to deliver business goals and objectives with data.

“Over the next six months, Alan will assess our present position and work with the business to develop a data strategy, and we’re confident that this data-driven, useful information will ensure our organisation’s continued growth and service delivery to Members.”