Speaker profile: Stewart Reader

Stewart Reader, Head of Insurance, Hitachi Digital Services

Stewart is a dynamic and forward-thinking senior management professional with over 30 years of experience across enterprise technology and financial services. Known for his strategic leadership and innovation, Stewart has built a strong track record in project delivery, business development, and relationship management at the highest levels, including extensive work with CXOs.

His expertise spans a wide range of domains, including e-commerce technologies, life and pensions operations, wrap platforms, discretionary fund management, and adviser technology. Stewart has also played key roles in navigating complex legislative and regulatory landscapes such as RDR, Solvency II, and auto-enrolment.

With deep knowledge of financial services distribution models (B2B2C, B2C) and proven success in executing offshoring, outsourcing, and new market entrant strategies, Stewart brings a unique blend of commercial insight and technological fluency to discussions on business resilience. His passion for operational transformation and process re-engineering has helped organisations boost efficiency and adapt in times of change.

At this session, Stewart will share practical perspectives on how AI can drive resilience, reduce risk, and support agile decision-making in a volatile financial landscape.