Saad Bashir
Principal
Strategy & Digital Transformation Leader
ABOUT SAAD BASHIR
Saad Bashir is a recognized authority in digital transformation. His career is defined by his innovative leadership and unparalleled expertise in guiding major organizations through comprehensive technological and operational changes. Specializing in areas ranging from advanced communication skills and change management to creative problem-solving, Bashir has demonstrated a consistent ability to pioneer and implement robust digital strategies that drive organizational success.
Professional Background:
Bashir has had an impactful career, delivering transformative results for various respected entities. Since April 2022, he has been the Transformation Leader at Amazon Web Services (AWS), advising global brands at the industry's cutting edge and helping them sustain their current leadership while defining future trends.
Before his role at AWS, he served as the Head of Corporate Technology at Zillow from 2021 to 2022, where he played a crucial role in enhancing the company's technological landscape, aligning it with broader business goals and market demands. His tenure as the Chief Technology Officer for the City of Seattle from January 2019 to July 2021 further showcased his adeptness in managing public sector technology transformations and overseeing initiatives in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and citizen engagement technologies.
Bashir was also the Chief Information Officer for the City of Ottawa, where he led significant digital initiatives focused on improving the city’s technological services and infrastructure from July 2016 to December 2018. His earlier role as the Director of Economic Development and Innovation for the same city saw him fostering regional economic growth through technology and innovation programs.
Educational Achievements and Honors:
Bashir's educational background is as substantial as his career, with a forthcoming Master of Liberal Arts from The Johns Hopkins University and a B.Sc. in Computer Engineering from Queen's University. His commitment to professional development is further underscored by certifications in AWS Cloud Practitioner, Quantum Computing, and Deep Learning Essentials, among others. In recognition of his contributions and leadership in technology and business, Bashir was named a 2013 Recipient of the Top Forty Under 40 Award.
Skills and Certifications:
His top skills include advanced communication, change management, and creative problem-solving, which have been instrumental in navigating complex transformations in diverse organizational contexts. Bashir is proficient in English, and his credentials are bolstered by certifications in quantum computing and AWS, showcasing his commitment to staying at the forefront of technology trends and solutions.
Today, as the Principal of Digital Transformation at GIO, Saad Bashir continues to leverage his vast experience and expertise to help organizations navigate the intricacies of digitalization, ensuring they remain competitive and innovative in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Bashir's visionary approach to transformation and his hands-on leadership in both the public and private sectors underscores his status as a transformative leader dedicated to leveraging digital technologies for organizational advancement and societal benefit.
