The Data Man of Sogeti
Ireland, meet Brian Halpin

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?  

I have spent over 35 years working with data, and I can honestly say it has become a key element of my career. Originally from Dublin, I moved to County Meath about 22 years ago. After finishing at Blackrock College, I dove straight into the workforce, where my journey with data began. My first job was back in 1984 at a retail bank in Ireland, where I worked in various departments for 23 years before moving on in 2007. 

In 2014 I joined a large Investment Bank and worked with the ‘Dirty Date’ team completing root cause analysis on various data quality issues and proposing remediation at source.

What is your Sogeti story? 

I have been with Sogeti for three years now and it’s been an incredible journey. During this time, I have worked on five different client engagements, all centered around data projects – from data migration to enterprise data management tool implementations. Currently, I am working as an ETL Project Manager, assisting a client in moving their data and processes from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA. Every project I have been involved in has kept me deeply engaged with data, which is precisely where I want to be.

One of the things I value most about Sogeti is the constant learning. Technology is always evolving and here, you need to be adaptable. That’s been the biggest lesson for me – staying ahead of the curve and being open to change. Sogeti has provided me with opportunities to work with diverse clients, ensuring I am always learning something new. 

The camaraderie here is remarkable! Everyone is always willing to lend a hand. If I have a question, there is always someone I can turn to – whether it’s a team member or even someone from another portfolio. You never feel alone, and that’s one of the reasons I love working here.

How did you become passionate about data?

It wasn’t until 1996 that I truly discovered my passion for data while building a House Price Index for a company. Since then, my career has focused on data governance, management, and analysis, particularly within financial services. 

Data has always fascinated me. Even when my roles leaned more towards project or program management, it was still all about data. It’s what I am good at and what I love. 

What changes have you seen in the field of data from then to now?

Over the years, I have witnessed companies evolve and come to recognize data as one of their most valuable assets. Back in the day, we relied primarily on Excel and VLOOKUPs. Today, tools like SQL and Power BI have revolutionized the field, showcasing just how far we have come. 

The landscape of data has changed dramatically since I started. Companies now understand the importance of clean, well-organized data for making quick and accurate decisions. The advanced tools and technologies have created countless new opportunities, and I feel fortunate to be part of this ongoing evolution. 

Who is Brian outside work?

I like to spend my time with my family, after a busy day, there is nothing better than having dinner with my wife and a glass of wine to unwind. That’s how I relax after a challenging day at work. 

When I am not working, I enjoy walking the dog (Bruce) or watching rugby games. I also have a passion for cooking. If I could travel anywhere, it would be Greece. I have been there six times and love the relaxed atmosphere and the friendliness of the locals.  

Looking back and moving forward…. 

It’s been three years since I started working with Sogeti. Looking back on my journey, I am grateful for all the opportunities I have had and the people I have met along the way. Sogeti has been a fantastic place for me to grow and continue doing what I am passionate about – working with data.