Sanjeevan Bala

Sanjeevan Bala is a leading expert in AI strategy and a distinguished figure in the use of data to drive business growth and innovation. Currently serving as the Group Chief Data and AI Officer at ITV, throughout his illustrious career, he has used his world-class data capabilities to transform AI strategy, accelerate the adoption of AI technology and build award-winning teams who have launched several global first commercial innovations. Standing out for his pioneering approach to data strategy, Sanjeevan’s focus on culture and cultural change enables him to effectively use data to drive growth. With a global reputation for innovation in AI and data, he is a highly sought-after speaker.

Earning a BSc in Management and Computing at King’s College London, Sanjeevan received a stellar education, which enabled him to move to Australia to pursue a career in investment banking. He moved back to London in 1993, joining AT&T as a Consultant and then moved to New York to serve as a Principal at PwC. After accumulating vast insights into business through his consulting work, he took advantage of the dot-com bubble to launch several startups in Silicon Valley. Following that he landed the role of Senior Business Strategist at Event Zero and then joined dunnhumby as a Senior Client Service Director in 2002, gaining market-leading experience in data strategy, business innovation and growth.

In 2006, he joined Clear Cell Group as Head of Insight and was quickly elevated to Head of Customer Intelligence and Head of Business Development. He moved on to work as Managing Director at eMpresto before being invited to join Channel 4 as Head of Planning & Analytics, a testament to his outstanding industry reputation for excellence in AI and data strategy. In 2017, he was promoted to Head of Data Science-Consumer Strategy at Channel 4, leaving in 2020 to join ITV after building one of the leading teams in data science.

Seeking to make an impact on the next generation of AI talent, in his role as a Non-Executive Director of a Multi Academy Trust, Sanjeevan is shaping the way AI and data are being taught, offering his profound knowledge as a seasoned expert. In recognition of his ground-breaking work in data and AI, Sanjeevan has been the recipient of multiple awards, including the Top 100 Global Innovator in Data & AI award from Corinium Global Intelligence, the Shared Culture Award by DataIQ and the Best Commercial Use of Data from the British Media Awards. A world-class pioneer in the field of AI and data, Sanjeevan’s cutting-edge work and industry experience has seen him become a highly demanded speaker. When booked for speaking engagements, he captivates audiences with his profound industry insights, leaving them with valuable takeaways.

In October 2023 we sat down virtually with Sanjeevan Bala and discussed the benefits to companies of integrating data science and AI into their operations. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Sanjeevan Bala.