Q&A with John Rea, ValidMind’s New Client Success Partner
ValidMind is thrilled to welcome its new Client Success Partner, John Rea. We sat down with him to discuss how he found his way into the field and what ultimately led him to ValidMind.
Q: You’ve built your career across several different roles, can you share a bit about what originally drew you into the MRM and AI sector?
I started my career building models and stayed close to that work throughout other roles in risk and broader COO/CRO positions. Even as my responsibilities expanded, the modeling thread never fully disappeared. At HSBC, nearly 25 years later, I returned to the modeling world as Head of Model Risk and AI Governance for HSBC UK, and I’ve really enjoyed being back in that space ever since.
Q: With your experience in risk management, AI, and operations, what innovations have you found the most exciting to watch?
I’ve led large-scale transformations, including major efficiency programs, but the most exciting shift is happening now. This “fourth industrial revolution” is driven by AI and AI governance unlike anything we’ve seen before. I think it will be the most significant transformation of my career because it’s such a pivotal moment for how businesses operate.
Q: Coming from a consulting background, what aspects of the Client Success Partner role do you see as most rewarding and most different from your previous work?
The most rewarding part is helping clients become successful and ultimately self-sufficient. If we can help firms adopt and use AI responsibly, generate real ROI, and then confidently run things on their own, it means our software has succeeded and we have succeeded.
Q: When you think about ‘client success’ in the context of AI governance and MRM, what does that look like to you?
Success means clients are using AI effectively, gaining real business value, and avoiding issues that cause operational or reputational harm. AI should be fully embedded, well governed, and delivering value without creating problems for the business. Strong adoption with no unexpected setbacks is the goal.
Q: What’s something you’re excited to learn and contribute during your first few months here?
I’m excited to bring a strong commercial perspective into a technology focused company and help translate technical concepts into language that resonates with business stakeholders. It’s not just about client-facing messaging, but about bridging the gap between the commercial needs of the business and the capabilities of a very advanced technology company.
Most of my professional network is concentrated in the UK through to Asia because I’ve worked extensively in those regions. I’ve spent some time building connections in the U.S. and Canada as well, but I know the markets in Europe and Asia much more deeply, which I think will be a real asset here at ValidMind.
Q: What about ValidMind’s mission resonated with you when you decided to join?
I first saw ValidMind’s software while at HSBC and was impressed because it addresses real AI governance and MRM pain points, especially backlog and workload challenges across both 1st and 2nd lines of defense, that other providers weren’t solving. The ability to reduce that workload through AI and automation is something other solutions simply don’t offer.
There are plenty of providers in the model risk space, but most of them aren’t solving the real problems, especially the huge and growing backlog of workload issues that AI Governance & MRM teams are dealing with. Equally important are the model documentation automation features, which bring significant benefits and savings to all 1st line of defense model development teams.
Solving real business problems and helping firms operate more efficiently is what matters, and that’s what really resonated with me. It’s a unique product offering that I think many firms can greatly benefit from.
Q: Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about that helps you recharge?
I love motorcycling. I live near Manchester, and with how unreliable the UK transport network can be, it’s often the fastest (and most fun) way to get around. I used to race cars when I was younger, and I’ve always loved anything to do with speed and engines.
Music is another big passion of mine. I play the trumpet in a range of styles – big band, jazz, even hip-hop sampling – and the great thing about music is that it uses both sides of your brain at once, so you can’t think about anything else. It completely zones you out, which is a fantastic way to recharge.
I also do Scouts with my daughter, including the occasional freezing camping trip. Last year we hit minus six centigrade one night, which was equal parts miserable and memorable. Despite the extreme weather, all the Scouts and Cubs earned their “penguin badges” for making it through sub-zero conditions.
