In a testament to the transformative power of AI, the 40 Under 40 Data Scientists Awards shine a spotlight on the experts who are redefining the boundaries of what’s possible with data. These exceptional individuals, selected by an esteemed panel of jurors, have demonstrated unparalleled expertise, innovative thinking, and a commitment to driving meaningful change within their organizations and the broader industry. The Awards were given out on 2nd Feb at the Annual MLDS conference in Bangalore.
The winners were chosen by our distinguished panel of judges from the AIM Leaders Council, comprising Wendy Zhang, VP of Business Intelligence at Hayward Holdings, Inc.; Datta Junnarkar, Chief Information Officer – Maritime at Boeing; Sanyam Kumar, Associate Director, Data Science at Genmab; EJ Kim, Business Transformation & Growth Strategy Executive; Shubhosree Dasgupta, Country Data and Analytics Officer at HSBC; and Douglas Elfers, VP of Data Science at Prudential Financial.
From advancing privacy-aware modeling techniques to leading the charge in AI-driven transformations, each winner has made significant contributions to the field. They are at the forefront of leveraging generative AI, enhancing operational efficiencies, and cultivating a culture of innovation and learning. Their work spans various sectors, including fintech, healthcare, retail, and beyond, showcasing the versatile and far-reaching impact of data science.
(In Alphabetic Order)
Aayush Mudgal, Senior Machine Learning Engineer at Pinterest
Aayush Mudgal stands out as a pioneering Senior Machine Learning Engineer at Pinterest, where his leadership in Privacy Aware Conversion Modeling has set new benchmarks in data science innovation. With a profound expertise in building large-scale recommendation systems, personalization algorithms, and ads marketplaces, Aayush has a unique talent for translating complex data sets into actionable insights. His background in research on intelligent tutoring systems further illustrates his commitment to leveraging AI for educational advancements. Aayush’s work exemplifies the transformative power of machine learning in enhancing user experience and privacy in the digital age.
Aditi Kalra, Senior Manager, Data Science at Slice
Aditi Kalra brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as Senior Manager of Data Science at Slice, a unicorn fintech firm. With an 8-year tenure in the finance industry, her expertise encompasses econometrics, game theory, NLP, recommendation engines, computer vision, and generative AI. Aditi’s journey through credit bureaus and mutual funds to fintech innovation highlights her versatile skill set and her ability to drive forward-thinking solutions in financial technology. Her work not only enhances fintech offerings but also paves the way for more intelligent, data-driven financial solutions.
Akash Kaul, Head – Enterprise Analytics at Tesco Business Solutions
With 16 years of experience, Akash Kaul has excelled in leveraging data science to achieve business outcomes across multiple industries, including Retail, Healthcare Insurance, P&C Insurance, and Banking. At Tesco Business Solutions, Akash is renowned for establishing Analytics Centers of Excellence, driving a staggering 20X ROI on analytics investments. His strategic vision and deep understanding of data science have been pivotal in cultural transformation and commercial goal achievement within these sectors, showcasing the strategic value of analytics in business operations.
Aman Jain, Director- Product Analytics & Experimentation at American Express
Aman Jain’s role as Director of Product Analytics & Experimentation at American Express highlights his expertise in analytics and strategy, particularly within the digital products arena. His work focuses on fostering data-driven cultures, optimizing customer acquisition, and enhancing revenue across various functions and geographies. Aman’s approach combines advanced analytics with UX tools, demonstrating his ability to leverage data for strategic decision-making and to drive significant business outcomes in the competitive financial services sector.
Anantha Krishna Rajpurohit, Associate Director – Data Science at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.
Anantha Krishna Rajpurohit’s extensive experience in Data Science and AI across Retail, TMT, and BFSI sectors positions him as a leader in the field. His tenure at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. as Associate Director – Data Science involves spearheading initiatives for both TV and OTT platforms, integrating generative AI to revolutionize content personalization and viewer engagement strategies. Anantha’s background as a former BCG consultant, leading projects on personalization, assortment strategy, and credit risk, underpins his innovative approach to leveraging data science for media and entertainment.
Anil Goyal, Principal Data Scientist at Housing.com
Anil Goyal stands out as a beacon in the data science community, with a significant track record of pioneering machine learning solutions that address complex challenges. His work spans across various domains, including real estate, where his algorithms for 3D virtual tour generation have markedly improved user engagement on Housing.com. Additionally, his contributions to fraud detection methodologies have set new standards for security and reliability in online transactions. Dr. Goyal’s research has also ventured into the healthcare sector, offering innovative solutions for medical document understanding and driver drowsiness detection systems, showcasing his versatility and commitment to leveraging AI for societal benefit. His recognition with multiple awards is a testament to his impactful contributions and thought leadership in the field of data science.
Anuja Ranjan, Vice President/Partner Financial Services at Fractal.ai
Anuja Ranjan’s journey in the AI domain is marked by her profound expertise in statistical modeling and predictive analytics, grounded in a solid foundation from the prestigious Delhi School of Economics. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Anuja has become a formidable force in driving AI-driven transformations within the financial services sector at Fractal. Her work encompasses leveraging AI to decode complex financial patterns, optimize risk management, and innovate product offerings, significantly enhancing value for stakeholders. Anuja’s role at Fractal.ai not only underscores her technical prowess but also her ability to lead and inspire teams towards achieving excellence in AI applications in finance.
Aravind Mohan, Software Engineer / Data Scientist at Waymo (Autonomous Driving)
Aravind Mohan’s career trajectory is a compelling narrative of innovation and excellence in the fields of data science and autonomous driving technologies. At Waymo, his contributions as a Software Engineer and Data Scientist have been pivotal in advancing the frontiers of autonomous mobility. Before his tenure at Waymo, Aravind honed his skills at Facebook, where he was instrumental in founding the AI Integrity team and leading initiatives in NLP and Speech Data Science. His work on revenue-maximizing models at Abercrombie & Fitch further showcases his versatility and strategic acumen in applying data science across diverse industry verticals. Aravind’s journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his visionary approach to leveraging AI for transformative outcomes.
Deepak Yadav, Senior Data Scientist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Deepak Yadav exemplifies the essence of a modern data scientist, blending technical expertise with a passion for sharing knowledge. With over seven years of experience in the field, Deepak has made significant contributions to the banking sector, particularly in areas requiring sophisticated analytical solutions. His role as a guest lecturer and a reviewer for ‘Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence’ demonstrates his commitment to nurturing the next generation of data scientists. Deepak’s nomination for the Top 40 Data Scientist Awards underscores his influence in the realm of AI and his dedication to advancing the application of data science within and beyond the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
Garvit Arya, Senior Data Analytics Engineer at Google
Garvit Arya’s exceptional track record in Retail, Planning, Advanced Analytics, and Data Engineering positions him as a leader in the analytics domain. His role at Google underscores his capability as an analytics strategist and data scientist, where he has been instrumental in institutionalizing supply chain analytics. This has led to revolutionary decision-making processes that align with Google’s standards of innovation and efficiency. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Data Science & Warehousing, Garvit’s leadership and strategic vision have significantly contributed to the shaping of analytics practices, making him a valuable asset to the global data science community.
Gaurav Jain, Senior Manager at Adani Digital labs
Gaurav Jain has been a key figure in spearheading AI innovations at Adani Digital Labs, where his leadership and vision have paved the way for transformative advancements in artificial intelligence. His work is instrumental in driving digital transformation across the Adani Group, leveraging AI to revolutionize industries and create impactful change. Gaurav’s approach to AI innovation is characterized by a deep understanding of technological potentials combined with strategic implementation, making him an influential leader in driving the digital future.
Ishan Basu, Principal – Delivery at MathCo
Ishan Basu stands out as a visionary leader in data science, boasting over a decade of experience. At MathCo, he is recognized for his strategic approach in leveraging analytics to drive substantial business value across a diverse range of industries, including the Indian market, Europe, and the United States. His expertise in marketing analytics has been instrumental in elevating MathCo’s Marketing Measurement practice, where he has successfully led initiatives that delivered profound impacts for Fortune 500 companies. Ishan’s innovative solutions and his ability to translate complex data into actionable insights make him a pivotal figure in the analytics community.
Itti Singh, AVP, Head of Analytics Advisory DLL, Landmark Group
With sixteen years under her belt, Itti Singh has proven herself as a trailblazer in analytics leadership. Her journey spans significant contributions in evaluating marketing analytics models as per Fair lending standards. Currently, she oversees analytics and machine learning initiatives across the Middle East and India for Landmark Group. Itti’s exceptional leadership was particularly evident during her tenure as Product Manager for LTIM & Fosfor’s Lumin, where she spearheaded industry-recognized projects. Her forward-thinking approach continues to inspire and drive technological innovation within the Landmark Group.
Kedar Potdar, Manager, System Software – AI at NVIDIA
Kedar Potdar, an Engineering Manager at NVIDIA, specializes in artificial intelligence and leads a dynamic team focused on refining developer products for AI applications. With a rich background that includes authoring eight scholarly papers on data science and AI, Kedar’s innovative spirit has been evident since his undergraduate days. His work spans edge computing to applied AI, where he consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in AI development and application. His commitment to advancing AI technology makes him a key asset to NVIDIA and the broader AI community.
Lokesh Malik, VP, AI Solutions at EXL Service
Lokesh Malik brings over fifteen years of expertise in AI and Data Science, spanning multiple sectors such as CPG, Retail & Media, E-commerce, and BFSI. His leadership at EXL Service is marked by his ability to bridge the gap between complex data science concepts and real-world applications, driving significant business outcomes. Lokesh’s comprehensive understanding of AI technologies and strategies has positioned him as a key player in EXL’s success, providing innovative solutions that leverage data for strategic advantage.
Manu Joseph, Staff Data Scientist at Walmart Global Tech
Manu Joseph is a distinguished figure in the field of data science, with over a decade’s experience that includes a leadership role in Applied Research at Thoucentric. Renowned for his contributions to machine learning-based demand forecasting, Manu is also the author of ‘Modern Time Series Forecasting with Python’. His work on PyTorch Tabular simplifies deep learning applications for tabular data, showcasing his commitment to advancing the field of data science. At Walmart Global Tech, Manu continues to leverage his expertise to drive innovation and enhance business processes.
Mukul Jain, Principal Data Scientist at Bajaj Finserv Health
With a decade of experience in data analytics, Mukul Jain has been a pioneering force at Bajaj Finserv Health. He has played a critical role in scaling the data science team, automating key processes, and enhancing customer experiences. Mukul’s strategic vision has set new industry benchmarks in fraud prevention and AI-driven reimbursement claims automation, saving the company millions. His leadership and innovative approach to solving complex problems have made significant impacts on the business, demonstrating the power of data science in transforming healthcare services.
Nakul Puri, Director of Analytics – APAC at Boston Consulting Group
Nakul Puri is a seasoned expert with over thirteen years of experience in predictive and prescriptive analytics. Leading a formidable team of over 100 members across the APAC region, his expertise spans predictive modeling, machine learning, demand forecasting, and marketing optimization. Nakul has been instrumental in spearheading large engagements at BCG, impacting consumer, fashion, retail, and IG sectors with his innovative approaches. His prior experience at Accenture, TCS, EXL, and Siemens further solidifies his reputation as a leader in the analytics space.
Naveen Rathani, Vice President and India Head, AI for Chief Operating Office (COO) at Wells Fargo
Naveen Rathani’s career is a testament to his deep commitment to leveraging BI, ML, and statistical solutions to enhance business operations globally. With interests that include deep reinforcement learning, weak supervision, and optimization methods, Naveen stands out as an active researcher with pending patents to his name. His contributions to the learning community through techno-focused articles underscore his dedication to sharing knowledge and advancing the field of AI and data science.
Nimai Chand Das Adhikari, Senior Data Scientist at Microsoft
Nimai Chand Das Adhikari stands out with over a decade of experience in the data science realm, having published over ten papers and holding more than four patents. His work has been recognized at major conferences like MSJAR and MLADs. Nimai specializes in a broad spectrum of areas including Deep Learning, Computer Vision, Time Series Analysis, Healthcare, and Natural Language Processing. His contributions to Microsoft have significantly advanced the company’s capabilities in these areas, showcasing his ability to drive innovation and technical excellence.
Nishant Prakash, Director – Customer Strategy at Gameskraft
Nishant Prakash brings a wealth of experience from his 12+ years in strategy and analytics, having led Insights & Analytics teams at global giants like Amazon and Lenovo. Currently at the helm of Customer Strategy & Analytics at Gameskraft, he specializes in leveraging Business Analytics, Marketing Strategy, and Program Management to craft winning strategies. Nishant’s deep understanding of data-driven decision-making has played a pivotal role in Gameskraft’s rapid growth and customer engagement success.
Preeti J. Pillai, Senior Machine Learning Engineer at Toyota Connected
Preeti J. Pillai, with over twelve years of experience, is a recognized authority in AI, focusing on Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning within Automotive, Enterprise Surveillance, IoT, and Connected Vehicle technologies. She holds multiple innovative patents and publications in edge computing, chaired & reviewed top-tier IEEE conferences. Her innovative work at multiple Toyota organizations is pushing the boundaries of how AI can enhance automotive safety and performance.
Rafat Siddiqui, People Analytics – Data Scientist at Shell India Markets Private Limited
Rafat Siddiqui specializes in People Analytics, leveraging statistical tools, data mining, and machine learning to drive impactful HR initiatives. As a key member of Shell’s Global Centre of Excellence – People Insights Team, he focuses on Employee Listening projects using advanced NLP techniques. His work is instrumental in enhancing organizational culture and employee engagement at Shell, reflecting his commitment to using data science for people-centric solutions.
Raghavan Muthuregunathan, Senior Engineering Manager, Search AI at LinkedIn
Raghavan Muthuregunathan leads LinkedIn’s Flagship Search AI team, where his work on i18n spellcheck and semantic code search tools has significantly improved user experience. Known for his engaging tech talks in AI/ML, Raghavan’s leadership and innovative thinking have made a profound impact on LinkedIn’s search capabilities, ensuring users find exactly what they’re looking for with greater accuracy and relevance.
Rahul Pandey, Associate Vice President | Data Science & Applied AI at Course5i
Rahul Pandey is a change catalyst in data monetization, with extensive expertise across various industries including CPG/FMCG, Retail, Manufacturing, Mobility, Technology, Media, Telecom, Hospitality, QSRs, and BFSI. As a seasoned leader in Applied Data Science, he has established and nurtured high-performance teams globally, driving AI/ML solutions that have delivered substantial value worldwide.
Ravindra Patil, Senior Director – Data Science at Tredence Inc.
Ravindra Patil, an engineering leader, excels in developing Data and AI solutions that meet consumer needs and secure competitive advantages. At the helm of a dynamic team of Data Scientists and Architects at Tredence Inc., he pioneers innovative ideas, speaks at conferences, and holds multiple patents and research publications. His leadership is driving the next wave of data science innovation, transforming how businesses leverage data for strategic decisions.
Rohit Jain, General Manager Analytics & Senior Data Scientist at Niva Bupa Health Insurance
Rohit Jain, with over seven years of experience in data science, specializes in insurance, news, and media analytics. A Kaggle expert, Rohit’s prowess in data automation, analysis, and dynamic dashboard creation has been showcased in numerous hackathons. His innovative approach and commitment to continuous learning in data science are propelling Niva Bupa Health Insurance towards cutting-edge data-driven solutions.
Sanjay Gautam Bhansali – Head of AI Frameworks, RBC Capital Markets
Sanjay Gautam Bhansali stands at the forefront of AI innovation as the Head of AI Frameworks and Generative AI Capabilities at RBC Capital Markets. With a passion for transforming the banking and financial landscape through strategic AI frameworks, Sanjay leads initiatives that significantly enhance machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities across various sectors within the bank. His work not only streamlines operations but also sets new benchmarks in delivering cutting-edge solutions, demonstrating a keen acumen for leveraging technology to drive business success.
Saurabh Pramanick – Head of Data Governance and Analytics, Bank Muscat
Saurabh Pramanick brings over 15 years of rich expertise in the fields of Data Mesh, Data Analytics, Data Governance, and more. Having held the position of Chief Data Officer and various leadership roles, Saurabh has a proven track record of pioneering data science, analytics, governance, and technical architecture initiatives. His strategic vision and leadership have propelled Bank Muscat into new heights of data-driven decision-making, enhancing operational efficiency and fostering innovation.
Setu Shah – Global HCM Product Strategy Director, Oracle
At Oracle, Setu Shah is instrumental in designing and delivering human capital management (HCM) solutions that cater to a global clientele. His work, spanning across solution architecture, technology strategy, and program management, addresses the needs of industries ranging from BFSI to healthcare, ensuring clients receive the most advanced and effective HR solutions. Setu’s expertise helps organizations navigate the complexities of global markets, optimizing their workforce strategies for maximum impact.
Shivani Sharma – Vice President, Barclays
Shivani Sharma, with her 17 years of data science experience, excels in applying artificial intelligence, risk management, and analytics to drive significant outcomes in the global banking sector. Her leadership roles in esteemed institutions like Barclays and KPMG have been marked by pioneering applications of AI and advanced analytics, influencing high-value portfolios and steering substantial financial decisions, thereby contributing to the strategic growth and resilience of these organizations.
Urvinder Singh – Associate General Manager- Data Science, Linde APAC
Urvinder Singh is recognized as a distinguished Data Science professional with over seven years of global experience. Currently serving as Associate General Manager – Data Science for Linde in the APAC region, Urvinder’s contributions span across leading AI/ML projects and mentoring the next generation of talent. His expertise and certifications in Google Cloud Platform underscore his commitment to leveraging the latest technologies for driving innovation and excellence in industrial gases and engineering solutions.
Vaishnavi Kandala – Principal NLP Scientist, Tiger Analytics
Vaishnavi Kandala is a leading expert in Natural Language Processing and heads the Generative AI-applied R&D team at Tiger Analytics. With over a decade of experience, Vaishnavi has developed impactful NLP solutions and contributed to Generative AI projects, earning recognition for her innovative work. Her previous role at Elsevier involved organizing global scientific research intelligently, showcasing her ability to leverage AI for significant advancements in knowledge dissemination.
Varsha Rani – Senior Manager, Genpact
With a career spanning over 13 years, Varsha Rani has made significant strides in the field of NLP and Machine Learning. Starting her journey as an NLP developer, she quickly rose to prominent roles as an NLP Architect and Senior Project Manager. Varsha has led numerous projects across industries, focusing on the application of NLP/ML and Generative AI technologies to solve complex business problems, demonstrating her deep expertise and innovative approach to data science.
Varun Verma – Chief Data Analytics Officer, L’Oréal
Varun Verma is at the helm of data and analytics-driven business transformations at L’Oréal, where he draws on his extensive experience from working with top-tier firms. His expertise in strategy, center of excellence setup, machine learning, artificial intelligence innovation, and team leadership has been instrumental in driving growth and efficiency across various sectors, including consumer packaged goods, digital commerce, fintech, and consulting.
Vinayraj Govindarajan, Director at Deloitte
Vinayraj Govindarajan stands out as a pioneering force in the data science landscape, with over 13 years of experience that spans across several critical areas of analytics including demand forecasting, marketing mix optimization, and inventory optimization. As Director of Data Science at Deloitte, he leads a formidable team of over 50 data scientists, driving them towards successful project completions and breakthrough innovations. Vinayraj’s work is characterized by his deep analytical expertise, strategic vision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed business expectations. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing Deloitte’s data science team as a benchmark for excellence within the industry, contributing significantly to the firm’s reputation as a leader in analytics and consulting services. Vinayraj’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning among his team ensures that Deloitte remains at the cutting edge of data science and analytics.
Vipul Gupta, Group Manager – Data Analytics at Times Internet
Vipul Gupta has carved a niche for himself as a visionary in the field of data analytics, demonstrating an exceptional ability to lead teams towards achieving significant improvements in marketing and sales conversions. At Times Internet, his role as Group Manager of Data Analytics places him at the helm of ET Money’s data science initiatives, where his strategic direction and innovative approaches have led to notable successes in user engagement and business growth. Vipul’s journey in data science is marked by his tenure at Hexaware Technologies, where his leadership and expertise contributed to impactful projects. Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Vipul’s dedication to social good is evident through his pro bono work with the DataKind Bangalore Chapter, where he applies his skills to address societal challenges. His holistic approach to data science—balancing corporate objectives with social impact—sets a commendable example for professionals in the field.
Yugank Aman, VP of Engineering at PepsiCo
Yugank Aman embodies the spirit of transformative leadership in the realm of engineering and data science. As the Vice President of Engineering at PepsiCo, he oversees a diverse team of more than 200 engineers, architects, and data scientists, driving innovation and growth through strategic projects. One of Yugank’s notable achievements includes spearheading the development of a location data marketplace, facilitating collaborations with global enterprises and leveraging data to unlock new value streams. With 15 years of experience in the industry, his credentials and leadership roles, including prestigious consulting positions at EY, underscore his ability to navigate complex challenges and lead his team towards groundbreaking solutions. Yugank’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence have been pivotal in fostering a culture of innovation at PepsiCo, positioning the company at the forefront of technological advancement in the food and beverage industry.
You can now access all our open awards and Survey List here.
