Do these questions sound familiar?
Where is the ROI? You have invested heavily in Data and AI but are not seeing real business results.Where is the trust? It still takes too long to get clean, reliable data for basic decisions.Where is the scale? You have plenty of AI pilots in flight, but nothing is moving the needle at scale.and...if you're a builder/leader of data and AI capabilities, you're likely wondering.. Which problems actually matter, and how do I prove my value?
These are hard questions with no easy answers, but there are proven steps that lead to success:
Set the right direction > Align your Data & AI roadmap directly with business outcomes.Build solid foundations > Empower decision makers with trusted data delivered quickly.Iterate continuously > Learn from experiments, scale pilots and build a "test and learn" engine.Measure what matters > Build data and AI solutions with clear metrics and measurable goals.
This is a LOT of work, riddled with uncertainty. So, what's the secret to success?
None! Except - SUCCESSFUL LEADERS DON'T DO ALL OF THIS ALONE
They hire the right team to execute and experienced experts as their partners.
This is where I come in:
Hi, I'm Ankur Jain.
With 20+ years in Data & AI, I now help leaders and organizations be successful by turning Data & AI capabilities into a powerful engine for growth.
I believe in Phronesis - practical solutions built using modern technology, human judgement, collaboration, and trusted data.
I've been fortunate to have experiences across the Data & AI spectrum at great organizations
Fortune-500 Leadership
Delivered $500M+ impact in 10+ years as Head of Data & Analytics and VP+ roles in Fortune-500 organizations, building high-performing global teams across AI, data engineering, data science, ML, BI and data governance.
Innovation at Scale
20+ years incubating and leading Data, AI, ML & Analytics teams from 0 to 1, growing to 100+ global teams, and delivering groundbreaking solutions across Marketing, Finance, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Underwriting, Fraud and Claims.
Technical Depth
Early career as a data scientist and ML engineer, followed by leadership roles in building data products and capabilities at scale across multiple industries. Hands on experience in driving business outcomes using ML & AI.
I'm here to be your partner and make you successful:
Enterprises / Startups:
Schedule Time to discuss your Data & AI challenges, strategy, projects or just to brainstorm. No-obligation.
Non-profits and Mission-driven organizations:
I’m committed give back to society through pro-bono engagements - Schedule Time for an initial discussion.
My fellow Data Leaders and Practitioners:
I am always here to support you in your career journey - Schedule Time for Mentorship or Career guidance.
Recent articles and publications »»
From one data professional to another: We are at our Gutenberg moment | Ankur Jain
The Gutenberg moment in the 1400s wasn’t about printing. It was about who controlled information—and how quickly it could spread. That’s exactly what’s happening with AI inside data and analytics teams today. We’re seeing: ✔️ A collapse in insight latency ✔️ A shift from pull-based analytics to push-based decisions ✔️ A fundamental change in how data leaders create value I shared my perspective—from one data professional to another—on why we’re at our Gutenberg moment in a new article/news
Detailed Bio
Ankur Jain
ExpertiseInterim & Fractional Data & AI LeadershipData & AI Projects Strategy & ExecutionData & AI Strategy aligned to business growthEnterprise Data Platform & Cloud Transformation (AWS, Azure, GCP)AI/ML Productization & Personalization at ScaleMarketing Science (MMM, Attribution, Experimentation)Customer Analytics, CRM, CDP & Loyalty StrategyPricing, Merchandising & Revenue OptimizationAdvanced Analytics & Data Science (ML, Optimization, Causal Inference)Data Governance, Privacy & Responsible AI EnablementBuilding and Scaling Global Data OrganizationsEducationKellogg School of Management, Northwestern UniversityUniversity of Delhi, India
Ankur is known for combining a product‑centric, “work backwards from the customer” mindset with pragmatic, ROI‑focused execution in complex, global organizations—making him well‑suited for interim and fractional data & AI transformation roles.
Most recently, Ankur served as Chief Data & Analytics Officer (Fundraising) at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, reporting to the CEO and establishing the end‑to‑end data, AI, analytics, and data science organization for one of the world’s largest fundraising enterprises ($2B+ annual fundraising, 10M+ active donors). He led a 120‑person team and $20M+ budget, building marketing science (MMM, attribution), accelerating AI/ML roadmaps for personalization and digital channels, and standing up robust data engineering and governance to balance speed with privacy and risk management.
From 2022-2024, Ankur was VP/CDAO and Head of Data, Analytics and Data Science for Whole Foods Market and Amazon Grocery (Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh, Amazon Go), serving as the senior‑most data leader for a $30B+ grocery business. He led a 200+ FTE global organization (data science, BI, software/data/ML engineering, product, TPMs, PMs) across the US and India, and owned data, analytics, and AI initiatives across customer experience, marketing, pricing, merchandising, supply chain, real estate, and omni‑channel retail. His teams delivered material impact including: $150M+ topline growth from AI‑driven CX and personalization initiatives; $300M+ impact through ML‑driven assortment, pricing and promotions decisions. He also led the build of the AWS‑native data platform, business intelligence, market intelligence partnerships, and Data/Information Governance councils.
From 2015 - 2021, Ankur held executive data and analytics roles at The Estée Lauder Companies (Executive Director, Global Enterprise Analytics & Data Science), and Tiffany & Co. (Director, Global Head of Analytics, AI, Data Science & Insights). In these roles he built and scaled global analytics and data science COEs across 20+ countries, led cloud and data platform transformations (AWS, Azure, GCP), established marketing science, AI capabilities for CRM, CDP and martech capabilities, pioneered AI‑driven customer and loyalty programs, and drove substantial e‑commerce growth, customer retention, and enterprise data literacy.
From 2005-2015, Ankur worked at Inductis/EXL and Deloitte Consulting, building solutions for Fortune 500 clients across insurance and financial services, on analytics strategy, operating models, and advanced modeling (ML, risk, fraud, customer acquisition). He has managed P&Ls of $5M+, led global teams of up to 200+ across the US, Europe, and Asia, and consistently operated as a trusted advisor to CEOs, CDOs, CTOs and boards on unlocking ROI from data and AI.
Ankur holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and, a Bachelors of Engineering with Distinction from the University of Delhi.
Ankur is based in Austin, TX with his family. When he is not busy with his two energetic kids, he is immersed in European football, cricket, F1 and planning his family's next travel destination.