Headline

Associate Director, Data Science @ Walmart Global Tech | Applied AI & ML Leader | Retail & Supply Chain| AI Computer Vision | $1B+ Business Impact.

About

I've spent nearly 20 years turning data into business outcomes — long before "AI" was a headline, back when we called it "advanced analytics" and getting a single model into production was a win worth celebrating. I came into this field from an unlikely start: a mechanical engineering degree and a 2003 Infosys offer that felt like a dream at the time. But I knew I wanted to build a career in data, so I went back for a Master's in Data Science from IIT Kharagpur — and that decision opened a door I've been walking through ever since. What's defined my journey isn't breadth for its own sake. It's depth. For the last 13 years I've stayed deliberately close to one domain — CPG & Retail — even when offers in other industries came knocking. That's the T-shaped career I believe in: broad skills, deep domain. It's the edge no LLM can replicate, because real context is earned, not prompted. Across my career I've touched nearly every corner of the retail value chain — supply chain, merchandising, marketing analytics, catalog intelligence, inventory, and last-mile delivery. The first half of my career, in consulting, gave me range. The last six years at Walmart gave me something consulting rarely does: the privilege of owning solutions end-to-end, from a rough proof-of-concept to production systems driving $100M+ in cumulative impact, including work in computer vision and last-mile delivery. Today I work at the intersection of applied AI, machine learning, computer vision, and agentic architectures — but I care just as much about the human side of this shift. I don't buy the doomsday narrative. AI won't replace the people who learn to combine it with judgment and context; it will multiply them. And I'm convinced India hasn't "missed the bus" — we have the workforce, the hunger, and now the tech stack to operationalize what others only prototype. Outside of building, I mentor data professionals navigating the IC-vs-leadership crossroads, and I speak at campuses to students anxious about an AI-driven future. My message is always the same: you have more on your plate at 21 than we dreamed of at 25. Stop waiting. Start shipping. Always open to conversations on applied AI, retail tech, and building data teams that ship.

Location

Greater Bengaluru Area

Work experience

Director Engineering at Nike, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, Leading a team of data scientists at Walmart Global Tech India, I spearhead the development and deployment of cutting-edge AI/ML solutions that optimize key business operations and enhance customer experience. • Expertise in AI/ML solution development with strong knowledge of Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and SQL. • Proven track record in delivering enterprise-level analytics solutions that drive efficiency and innovation. • Skilled in managing high-performance teams and fostering collaboration across cross-functional stakeholders. • Successful development of the Walmart Defect Detection Engine (Wal DDE), optimizing defect detection accuracy through Computer Vision. • Achieved $500m + impact, demonstrating high model performance. • Significant reductions in compute time (50%) and memory usage (80%), ensuring scalability and real-time execution. • Developed Fraud verification system using CV for Walmart Last Mile Delivery Program. Skills : Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Deep Learning, Predictive Modeling, Data Strategy

AI/ML Mentor at Great Learning, Jun 2021 - Jun 2023 · 2 yrs 1 mo, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, As an AI/ML Mentor at Great learning, a leading online higher education platform, I empowered aspiring data professionals to master data science and machine learning, preparing them for successful industry careers. • Guidance on core Data Science and Machine Learning concepts, tools, and frameworks. • Structured support for real-world problem-solving and applied machine learning techniques. • Focus on industry-relevant skills such as model building, evaluation metrics, and deployment strategies. • Mentorship in Python programming, data preprocessing, supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms. • Preparation for professional roles through mock interviews, project reviews, and portfolio development. • Exposure to advanced topics like deep learning, NLP, and computer vision based on industry standards. Skills: Mentorship, Data Science, Machine Learning, Python Programming, Curriculum Development

Senior Data Science Manager @ Walmart Labs at Walmart Global Tech India, Aug 2020 - Apr 2022 · 1 yr 9 mos, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, As Senior Data Science Manager at Walmart Labs, I played a pivotal role in driving innovation and efficiency through AI-powered solutions across core retail functions, including supply chain, pricing, and customer analytics. • Led a team of data scientists in developing and deploying a machine learning model that optimized product assortment, leading to an increase in sales for a pilot category. • Spearheaded the development of a real-time pricing engine using advanced machine learning techniques, resulting in an improvement in profit margins. • Collaborated with supply chain stakeholders to implement a predictive model for inventory optimization, reducing warehouse storage costs. • Fostered a data-driven culture by developing and delivering training programs on machine learning and data analysis for product managers and business stakeholders. Skills: Machine Learning, Python, Pricing Analytics, Supply Chain AI, Gradient Boosting, Team Leadership, Stakeholder Management

Data Science Coach & Mentor at upGrad, Apr 2020 - May 2023 · 3 yrs 2 mos, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, As a Data Science Coach at Upgrad, a leading ed-tech platform, I provided guidance and mentorship to aspiring data scientists and machine learning engineers, enabling them to launch successful careers in the field. • Mentored over 100 students specializing in data science and machine learning, helping them acquire in-demand skills and build industry-ready portfolios. • Developed and delivered engaging training sessions on various AI/ML topics, including supervised and unsupervised learning, natural language processing, and deep learning, receiving consistently high ratings from students. • Provided personalized guidance on career development, including resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies, resulting in a high placement rate for mentees. Skills: Mentorship, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Data Science, Training

Associate Director (Data Science) at Fractal Analytics, Oct 2018 - Jul 2020 · 1 yr 10 mos, Greater Bengaluru Area, As Associate Director (Data Science) at Fractal Analytics, a leading global provider of artificial intelligence and analytics solutions, I led a team of data scientists in delivering high-impact business solutions for Fortune 500 clients across various industries. • Led the development and deployment of a customer churn prediction model for a leading telecommunications company, resulting in a reduction in churn rate and significant cost savings. • Successfully delivered a marketing attribution model for a global FMCG brand, enabling data-driven marketing budget allocation and optimization, leading to a an increase in marketing ROI. • Collaborated with a large retail client to develop and implement a demand forecasting solution, improving inventory management and reducing stockouts, resulting in increased revenue and customer satisfaction. • Played a key role in business development by leading client engagements, developing proposals for analytics projects, and contributing to revenue growth for the organization. Skills: Data Science, Machine Learning, Predictive Modeling, Client Management, Business Development

Senior Manager (Data Science) at GENPACT CPG & Retail Analytics, Oct 2013 - Oct 2018 · 5 yrs 1 mo, Bangalore, Led a 13-member offshore analytics team delivering data science solutions for major CPG and retail clients across pricing, shopper loyalty, and merchandising. • Built category-specific market models integrating Walmart data, demographic signals, and trade area variables. • Designed shopper loyalty and merchandising strategies using POS, panel, survey, FSP, and audit datasets. • Executed Test vs. Control studies using ANOVA/ANCOVA to quantify in-store activity effectiveness. • Developed scalable analytics infrastructure with emphasis on standardization and repeatability. • Managed analytical roadmaps with annual, quarterly, and monthly growth and revenue targets. Awards: Customer Satisfaction Award (2014) Konark Best Employee — CGRLH Vertical (2015) Customer Impact Award (2016) Skills: Predictive Modeling, Customer Analytics, CPG & Retail Analytics, Team Leadership, Project Management

Education

Master's degree, Business Analytics/Data Science, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur

Ph.D. (Practice Track), Information Systems/Artificial Intelligence, Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode