David Germain | QBE Insurance Group Limited
“David Germain is a multi-award-winning technology leader, industry judge, non-executive director, DE&I champion and ally, with over 30 years’ experience of leading organisations through Digital Transformation”.
David Germain stands out as a visionary in the technology sector, renowned for his forward-thinking approach and exceptional leadership abilities. As a highly regarded technologist and strategist, he has made a name for himself by developing global digital strategies and championing the value of diversity in the workplace. With a career built on assembling multidisciplinary teams, David’s expertise spans IT, digital transformation, and business Operations, making him a formidable leader who drives innovation and inclusivity in every role he undertakes. At EliteX, we are proud to have David Germain as part of the edition: Extraordinary Business Leaders to Watch, 2025.
David’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He ranked ninth in the Financial Times Top 100 Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) Technology Leaders in 2019, a recognition that underscores his influence in the technology space. Further, his leadership and dedication to diversity have earned him spots as a finalist for CTO of the Year at the Inclusive Technology Awards in 2019 and the STEM category at the Black British Awards. His recognition in these platforms reflects not only his technical prowess but also his commitment to using his influence to foster an inclusive tech industry. His achievements extend well beyond these accolades. David was featured on the HotTopics Global CIO100 list in both 2021 and 2024, praised for his resilience and innovation. Marketing Week also recognized him in the Power-list CX50 in 2020 and 2021 as one of the UK’s top customer experience influencers. He was named Inspirational Leader in the UK in 2020 by Computing and the British Computer Society, acknowledging his broader contributions to society. Recently, David was inducted into the CIO Computing Magazine Hall of Fame in 2023, an honor that celebrates his exceptional career and lasting influence on the IT profession. In 2024, he was awarded Insurance CIO of the Year for the UK by C-Suite Magazine, adding yet another feather to his cap.
“Mentoring is about guiding, supporting, and empowering another person to grow, achieve their goals, and develop personally and professionally.”
In addition to these accomplishments, David serves as a standing judge for the Management Consultancy Awards and FDM Everywoman in Technology & Risk Awards. He is also deeply involved with several influential institutions. As a Non-Executive Director of Investec UK, an external member of the University of Cambridge Audit Committee, and a trustee of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, he brings his expertise and passion to different sectors. David’s influence also extends into advisory roles, where he lends his insights as a technology advisor to Evanta, a subsidiary of Gartner. He is a fellow of respected institutions such as the Institute of Engineering and Technology, the British Computer Society, St. George’s House, and the Royal Society of Arts. Balancing his portfolio career, David is also a dedicated family man, married with three children. His ability to manage a successful career alongside family life demonstrates his commitment to personal values and well-being.
David’s journey into technology began with a software apprenticeship after college. He discovered a natural talent for problem-solving, which led him to realize the potential of technology to transform both business and society. His curiosity, evident from a young age, fueled his career path in software development. With his innate ability to tackle complex problems, David saw the vast possibilities in technology and dedicated himself to making an impact in this field. Describing his leadership style in three words, David says it is “Pragmatic, Demanding, and Inclusive.” Over the years, his style has evolved, reflecting his experiences and insights. Being pragmatic allows him to find practical solutions, while his demanding nature pushes his teams to strive for excellence. Yet, inclusivity remains at the core of his approach, as he believes in creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. These qualities enable him to lead effectively and inspire those around him.
David attributes the success of a business leader to several essential traits: adaptability, resilience, charisma, empathy, decisiveness, accountability, and emotional intelligence. Reflecting on his career, he acknowledges the impact that such traits have had on him and his teams. According to David, leaders who embody these characteristics can inspire loyalty and high performance, fostering an environment where people are motivated to excel. These traits, he believes, are the foundation of effective leadership and are crucial in today’s dynamic business landscape. While David has received numerous accolades, he considers his greatest achievement to be his willingness to admit his mistakes. In his view, acknowledging mistakes sets a powerful example for his colleagues and teams, making him more relatable and approachable. By seeing failures as opportunities for growth, he has been able to learn valuable lessons and continue improving as a leader. This humility and openness to growth have not only contributed to his success but have also earned him respect within his industry.
“The leaders I have worked for and admired most are adaptable to change, are resilient, charismatic, empathetic, decisive, hold themselves accountable, and have emotional intelligence.”
Looking ahead to 2025, David identifies several challenges facing the business world. He notes that consumer expectations are rising alongside rapid advancements in technology, creating pressure for businesses to keep up with digital transformation. This trend requires substantial investment and a strategic approach to remain competitive. David also points out geopolitical tensions, which disrupt supply chains and increase operational costs, along with the demands for sustainability and social responsibility. Additionally, he highlights the shifting workforce demographics, including critical skill shortages and an aging population. According to David, these interconnected challenges will continue to shape the business landscape, requiring resilience and adaptability from leaders worldwide.
In recent years, David has come to recognize the importance of work-life balance, admitting that he previously neglected his well-being. After experiencing the toll it took on his physical and mental health, he implemented boundaries and made self-care a priority. He now advocates for regular exercise, setting limits on work emails, and taking breaks to recharge. David emphasizes that saying “no” when necessary is key to maintaining balance, along with careful planning and prioritization. His support staff also play an essential role in helping him stay grounded, ensuring that he maintains a healthy work-life balance. David is grateful for the support he has received from those around him, which has allowed him to continue thriving both personally and professionally. Mentorship has been a constant in David’s career, both as a mentor and a mentee. He has guided individuals in career development, diversity and inclusion, youth mentorship, and skill-building. For David, mentorship is about empowering others to achieve their goals and grow personally and professionally. Seeing the remarkable accomplishments of those he has mentored is a source of pride and fulfilment. He strongly believes that organizations should invest more in mentorship programs, as they offer immense value for both mentors and mentees.
To stay informed on industry trends and emerging technologies, David relies on a variety of resources. These include industry news, conferences, networking events, social media, thought leaders, and consulting firms. He also values insights from his peers as they provide valuable perspectives on current challenges and innovations. While it can be challenging to stay disciplined, David believes continuous learning is essential in his field, where change is constant. Building an inclusive and positive workplace culture is a priority for David. He believes it starts with respect, setting an example, and fostering an environment where employees can share their ideas freely. Although creating an inclusive culture is a journey, David is optimistic and inspired by the progress he has seen in many organizations. His approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion includes offering DE&I training, celebrating diverse perspectives, promoting work-life balance, and creating growth opportunities for all employees. By addressing issues promptly and fairly, he works to create a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can contribute meaningfully.
David Germain’s story is one of dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity. His journey from a software apprentice to a globally recognized technology pioneer is a testament to his skill, resilience, and vision. Through his leadership, David champions a workplace culture that values diversity and collaboration. His achievements, while numerous, are rooted in his desire to make a positive impact on his industry and society. David Germain continues to set a remarkable example for future generations, inspiring them to lead with integrity, inclusiveness, and a commitment to continuous learning.
“I see mistakes as opportunities for growth. I’ve failed more than most, but I am also prepared to risk more than most.”