Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
As Sr. Director of Data, AI & Digital at Cargill Ocean Transportation, I lead transformative AI & data strategies in one of the world’s largest freight solutions providers for agriculture and energy. With over 25 years of experience in data strategy, AI and digital transformation in Commodity Trading, I have a proven track record of driving innovation, monetizing data, and optimizing trading operations through advanced analytics and AI. I am passionate about leveraging AI and digital ecosystems to empower traders, analysts, and operators with actionable insights. Leading a high-performing team of data engineers, scientists, and product managers, I drive the development of cutting-edge digital products, scalable data platforms, and AI solutions that enhance decision-making and business performance. I am always open to discussions about AI in commodity trading, digital transformation, and data-driven business models. Feel free to reach out! All views expressed here are my own.
Leading a highly skilled team of data engineers, analysts, scientists, and product managers within the Ocean Transportation Trading Group, I drive the creation and implementation of the AI, data, and digitalization strategy as a core element of the global Ocean Transportation Group strategy. With a deep understanding of the freight commodity market, I oversee the development and engineering of strategic data products that empower freight traders and customers with actionable, data-driven business insights. This includes designing and implementing robust, scalable data pipelines and platforms to support advanced analytics and AI solutions. I also lead efforts to digitalize critical business processes for ship operators, middle office, and finance teams, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making. Key accomplishments include the creation of an AI playbook, the deployment of innovative AI solutions, and successful data monetization initiatives that unlock new business opportunities
Building and leading a global, highly skilled team of data engineers, scientists, and analysts within the Ocean Transportation Trading Group. Driving the creation and implementation of a comprehensive data and technology strategy that supports the digitalization of business processes, enables data-driven decision-making, and unlocks opportunities for data monetization. Created the foundational data architecture and infrastructure for Ocean Transportation, enabling scalable, secure, and efficient data management to support advanced analytics and digital initiatives. Leveraging deep trading market expertise, I guide the development of innovative digital data products tailored to the needs of freight traders, ship operators, customers, and middle office teams. These products are engineered to enhance operational efficiency, provide actionable insights, and deliver measurable value across the organization.
I built and led a global team of data engineers, software engineers, data scientists, product managers, and data operations professionals, delivering cutting-edge ML/AI, analytics and data capabilities that empower Cargill's Trading Units with faster, data-driuven decision-making. Key areas of expertise include supply and demand analysis, trade flows, geospatial data, market data, shipping, predictive analytics, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), data engineering, and software development. Through these efforts, we have empowered Cargill's trading operations with transformative tools and insights, driving efficiency and competitive advantage.
I led a multidisciplinary team to deliver Uniper's first digital data analytics platform, empowering trading and market analysis teams with real-time insights and unlocking new revenue opportunities. In just 12 months, we integrated 200+ data sources, launched 40+ use cases, and delivered AI-driven insights to 1,500+ users. The platform achieved profitability within six months, introduced new B2B data products, and won the 2018 Talend Data Masters Award for Digital Transformation. Built on Microsoft Azure, Talend, Snowflake, Tableau, and Azure Databricks, this initiative set a new standard for data-driven decision-making at Uniper.
I spearheaded the implementation of Uniper's first Enterprise Reporting Platform, delivering real-time position and P&L reporting for Commercial Trading, Risk Management, Compliance, and Finance. By integrating data from 16+ CTRMs and upstream systems, I established a single source of truth, transforming decision-making across the organization. I led a major digital transformation, shifting IT-owned visualization tools into a business-driven, self-service analytics ecosystem using Tableau. This empowered teams with real-time insights and expanded the user base from 600 to 1,200 in just 27 months. Driving execution at a global scale, I managed a high-performing international team, a multi-faceted transformation program, and senior executive stakeholders, ensuring strategic alignment and measurable impact.
Data Warehouse, CRTM, Risk Reporting – Responsibilities I led the implementation of Uniper’s first Enterprise Data Warehouse, establishing a single source of truth for Energy Trading, Risk Management, Finance, and Compliance. Over four years, I delivered scalable data architecture, optimized EOD processes, and enhanced CRTM functionalities. I also launched Uniper’s first Analytics & BI platform, driving adoption to 500+ active users across Trading, Market Analytics, and Finance within two years. Additionally, I spearheaded cross-divisional IT cost reduction initiatives, achieving significant savings within three years
I managed end-of-day (EOD) processing across Market Data, ETRMs, and Reporting Applications, ensuring the timely delivery of critical insights to Trading, Risk Management, and Finance teams. I optimized CTRM operations, enhancing system reliability and streamlining daily risk reporting for trading desks and power generation units. Additionally, I successfully implemented EMIR regulatory reporting on time and within budget, overseeing its ongoing operations. As Business Application Owner, I managed 35+ mission-critical trading IT applications, including CTRM, Data Warehousing, and Market Price systems, ensuring seamless performance and compliance.
I led the implementation of the End-of-Day (EOD) reporting process, delivering real-time commodity market insights, 5,400+ price forward curves, and risk reports to support strategic decision-making. I developed predictive models for energy generation, gas supply & demand, coal, and emissions, enhancing market operations and planning. Additionally, I managed €2B+ in Transfer Price Agreements between Generation Units and Energy Trading. Overseeing a global, multidisciplinary team, I drove collaboration and ensured the successful execution of high-impact projects.
Delivered comprehensive monthly food cost analyses for the German market, providing actionable insights to support strategic decision-making. Developed and implemented product mix analyses and profitability evaluations for seasonal products, driving improved product portfolio performance. Designed and implemented a cost-controlling tool, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in cost management processes. Conducted monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closings, ensuring timely and precise reporting in compliance with corporate standards. Identified and analyzed cost reduction opportunities, contributing to improved financial performance and operational efficiency.
Provided tailored insurance consultancy services to private customers, delivering personalized solutions to meet individual needs and ensure comprehensive coverage