LONDON, UK / Blend, a multi-award-winning Data and AI consultancy, is excited to announce the appointment of Shraddha Shekar-Smith as Client Success, Vice President for Blend EMEA’s Energy practice. Shraddha joining Blend marks a pivotal step in the consultancy’s mission to encourage AI-driven transformation and capitalise on the growing demand for innovative data solutions in one of the world’s most critical industries.

Previously, as a leader of McKinsey’s Upstream Energy service line, Shraddha led strategic transformations and large-scale digital programs for major operators across Europe, UK, Asia and the Middle East. During her tenure as part of the central technology team at BP, Shraddha was responsible for building and deploying innovative technologies, giving her unique insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Energy companies on their digital transformation journeys.

"At Blend, we have a vision of a future where Data and AI are part of each of our toolkits for making a difference," shares Neil Carden, President of EMEA. "We're delighted that Shraddha has joined us - she has an incredible track record of making an impact and I believe she's going to make an enormous difference to the team, to our clients and to our work to build and deploy brilliant solutions for the Energy sector using data and AI tools."

Shraddha joins Blend EMEA during a period of fast-scaling growth in AI-adoption; a time when the world needs people who can bridge the gap between technology and industry. With a PhD in the computational modelling of quantum mechanical equations from Cambridge University and extensive industry experience - Shraddha is uniquely positioned to deliver on the art of the possible with data and AI for the Energy sector. "I believe Energy and AI/Compute are amongst the two most pertinent topics of our generation," said Shraddha Shekar-Smith, Client Success, VP at Blend EMEA. "There is tremendous value that sits at the intersection of these, and I am very excited to join Blend to help drive the data-driven revolution that the Energy sector so desperately needs."

As VP of Client Success, Shraddha will focus on expanding Blend EMEA’s Energy portfolio alongside Niall Rowantree (Client Partner, VP), developing strategic relationships with Energy sector leaders.  Her appointment reinforces Blend's commitment to building deep sector expertise and delivering transformative outcomes for clients navigating the evolving Energy landscape.