BBVA surpasses 1,000 data scientists and launches dual career paths to foster AI expertise and leadership

BBVA surpasses 1,000 data scientists and launches dual career paths to foster AI expertise and leadership

(IN BRIEF) BBVA now employs over 1,000 data scientists and has introduced a career model that enables them to grow professionally while continuing to focus on technical specialization. This new framework offers equal advancement opportunities through management roles or the Individual Contributor path, with three levels of technical expertise: Data Scientist Expert, Senior Expert, and Master Expert. The initiative is part of the Analytics Transformation unit, created in late 2024 to drive BBVA’s data-driven strategy, and includes access to mentoring, advanced training, and strategic projects. Head of Analytics Transformation Cayetano Gea-Carrasco emphasized the importance of preserving technical leadership alongside traditional management careers to strengthen the bank’s AI innovation.

(PRESS RELEASE) BILBAO, 8-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — BBVA has reached a major milestone in its artificial intelligence strategy, now employing over 1,000 data scientists within its global operations. To further strengthen this talent pool, the bank has introduced a career development framework that allows these professionals to progress in their careers without having to step away from their technical expertise. This approach puts advanced technical specialization on an equal footing with team management as a route for career advancement, ensuring that AI experts can remain directly involved in creating and refining innovative solutions.

In late 2024, BBVA created the Analytics Transformation unit, unifying advanced analytics and business analytics functions to accelerate the bank’s transformation into a data-driven organization. The more than 1,000 data scientists in this unit design and implement the AI models and algorithms used in BBVA’s internal processes and client-facing products and services. They are supported by an additional 2,500 data specialists from across business areas, all working to maximize the impact of data and AI for the bank.

“Our professionals excel in mastering emerging technologies and applying deep technical knowledge to key projects,” said Cayetano Gea-Carrasco, Head of Analytics Transformation at BBVA. “In traditional career paths, this often means moving into management roles, which can lead to a loss of valuable technical contributions. With our professional development model, we recognize and promote technical leadership as a career path parallel to management.”

The Individual Contributor (IC) track offers three levels of specialization:

• Data Scientist Expert – leaders in applying advanced algorithms to complex business challenges.
• Data Scientist Senior Expert – specialists in areas such as natural language processing, graphs, and recommendation systems, contributing to publications and training.
• Data Scientist Master Expert – top-level experts driving innovation, setting global technical standards, and leading research initiatives.

These professionals are part of a community of practice that promotes continuous learning through mentoring, bootcamps, and informal meetups. Each IC role comes with a tailored development plan, including advanced training and participation in strategic projects.

By implementing this model, BBVA is building an environment where technical expertise is recognized, nurtured, and positioned as a true path to leadership—supporting its broader vision of becoming a leading data-driven financial institution.

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SOURCE: BBVA