Scaling data & AI capability for Shell

Across the enterprise, specialty lines of business demanded complex, intensive data and AI infrastructure, including maritime, green energy and trading.

The existing model depended heavily on external contractors and systems integrators to deliver the consistency and quality of real-time data. This made it harder to control cost, keep knowledge in-house, and build skills for the long term.

Reducing dependency without a ready-to-go pipeline of capability would risk slowing down critical programs.

We supported Shell by combining delivery support with embedded talent within their teams to meet execution demands while onboarding long-term talent.

This included:

• Providing custom-trained consultants across data engineering, analytics, governance and AI, tailored to their technology stack
• Scaling the pipeline of talent to quickly fill skills demands and grow capability
• Delivering project outcomes with consultant squads which could be retained post-delivery for long-term product maintenance and development
• Enabling the conversion of consultants to full-time team members

Kubrick’s effective delivery cost model achieved a cost saving of 42% compared to the traditional delivery models and providers.

Over 3 years, Shell scaled their talent pipeline with 165 Kubrick consultants to rapidly inject capability across business lines without the cost, risk, and time of recruiting and onboarding team members.

They retained over 40% of consultants as full-time employees, creating a workforce with exceptional talent they already saw as their future technology leaders.