Sagar Ganapaneni is a trailblazer in applied data science and analytics, revolutionizing advertising, marketing and business optimization with cutting-edge AI applications.
With over a decade of experience, he has made a profound impact on both Fortune 500 companies and startups. Sagar excels in harnessing data to drive significant business growth and improve operational efficiency. His enthusiasm for data science is rooted in its power to uncover hidden insights and foster transformative change. As he notes, "Data science transcends mere number-crunching; it's about discovering new opportunities and enriching customer experiences."
Currently, Sagar leads the data science and analytics charter for a suite of data-powered services at Intuit, which includes the innovative SMB MediaLabs – a first-of-its-kind B2B media network focused solely on small businesses, addressing their unique challenges of targeting SMBs in the evolving digital advertising landscape. He oversees the creation and commercialization of resilient data assets, ensuring regulatory compliance and strategic alignment by closely collaborating with legal counsel and senior executives. Leveraging cutting-edge data capabilities and AI models, Sagar consistently drives innovation and value across the organization.
His expertise combines technical prowess with strategic insight to help organizations reach their full potential. Before joining Intuit, Sagar made notable contributions to various leading organizations. At Teladoc Health, he established and led the global growth data science and business analytics team, significantly enhancing the company's analytical capabilities. At Livongo Health, he spearheaded the development of scalable, clinically impactful performance risk models and growth models for digital health solutions. His work was integral to boosting the company’s ARR by more than 10 million and positively influencing the chronic care sector. Following Livongo's merger with Teladoc Health, his frameworks became industry standards. 'Sagar was my first choice to deliver on challenging projects' says Sai Moturu, VP of Data Science.
At Cypress Semiconductor, Sagar served as the Lead Data Scientist, where he developed in-house analytical solutions that notably improved sales operations, revenue forecasting, and financial planning. His creation of an innovative inventory portfolio model significantly impacted cash flow, showcasing his skill in optimizing operations and finances. As Ryan Welsman, Senior Director of AI, noted, “Sagar played a vital role in establishing a company-wide Data Science charter and fostering the growth of the data science talent pool, leaving a lasting legacy on the organization." In addition, Sagar held influential roles at Adobe, and Expedia. At Adobe, he was a founding member of the Product Analytics charter, supporting various SaaS products within the Adobe Experience Cloud. At Expedia, he pioneered algorithmic and programmatic marketing initiatives.
Outside of his corporate roles, Sagar is a highly sought-after advisor for early-stage startups, helping them integrate AI and data science into their business models. His influence extends to industry leadership, with his work featured in major publications such as Forbes Technology Council and Analytics India Magazine, and at prestigious conferences like the IAB Measurement Leadership Summit, POSSIBLE, CDO Vision, the B2SMBI Leaders Forum, and the Ai4 Conference. He shapes industry standards through his roles in trade organizations like IAB and MMA Global, contributing to committees focused on Measurement, Data, Addressability, Generative AI, and Data and Measurement think tanks, as well as the AI Leadership Coalition. “His achievements in deploying data science and AI solutions and his leadership in industry committees make him one of the most exceptional data science professionals” says Ramon Ray, a serial entrepreneur and small business expert.
Sagar's commitment to fostering the next generation of data science leaders is evident in his role on the advisory board for Texas A&M University's MS Analytics program, where he was instrumental in developing an industry-ready capstone program. He actively collaborates with top data and AI professionals as part of the AIM Leadership Council and serves as an ambassador for the Gartner Peer Community. Recognized for his dedication to ethical and innovative data science, Sagar was appointed as a global fellow to AI2030. He is also engaged with TEDNext and IEEE, supporting technological innovation and community growth.
His exceptional achievements have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the AI100 Award from AIM Research at MachineCon 2024 and the most coveted award "International Achievers Award" from IAF for his industry-wide contribution globally. His leadership is further validated by his roles as a judge for prestigious awards such as the Stevie Awards, MMA’s SMARTIES, and the ECHO Awards, which celebrates data-driven marketing strategies and creativity. Sagar’s commitment to mentoring future leaders in data science is evident through his involvement in initiatives like Google's KaggleX Fellowship, Mentors In Tech, and the Mentoring Club.
The core principles of Sagar’s professional ethos—laser focus on driving significant business impact, playing an active role in shaping industry standards providing thought leadership, and mentoring future leaders—embody his unique blend of expertise and leadership. He attributes his achievements to a solid educational foundation, including his alma mater BITS Pilani, a master’s degree from UIC, and advanced programs in AI and General Management from Stanford and Harvard. Equally important are the numerous leaders he has closely collaborated with, who have fueled his continuous learning and innovative application of data science and AI to solve complex marketing and business optimization challenges. Sagar’s passion for technology, unwavering commitment to innovation, and dedication to mentoring aspiring professionals underscore his status as a leading figure in data science and AI
Sagar's numerous achievements might define his professional success, but it's his deep-rooted values that truly set him apart. He aspires to be remembered not just for his career achievements but for his positive impact on society and the people around him. This belief fuels his passion for ethical AI and responsible data use. He emphasizes the importance of designing models to avoid bias and ensuring that data use is both consensual and transparent. Connect with him on LinkedIn to follow his journey and be a part of this exciting future he is building.
