Amit Panalkar Top-Executive
amit.panalkar@gmail.com | U.S. Citizen
1️⃣ OVERVIEW:
🔹 Enterprise AI executive and hands-on AI developer and leader, player-coach, critical thinker, creative problem-solver, and intrapreneur.
🔹 Presented regularly to C-suite executives and Presidents.
🔹 Work cited in the Economic Report of the President, Speaker (Reuters), US Patent#12613761.
🔹 Defined enterprise AI vision and roadmap.
🔹 17+ years leading GenAI/AgenticAI/ML/DS teams.
🔹 Built production-level AI solutions from scratch at top-tier firms—BlackRock, HSBC Bank, Nielsen (Measurement/Optimization), Assurant (Insurance: Health/P&C/Connecting Devices & Appliances).
2️⃣ USE CASES: As an Operating Partner, built solutions generating over $100M in impact.
🔹 Drove 8-10% EBITDA growth, $2-4M annual cost savings, 15-20% inventory turnover improvement, and optimized supply chains efficiency. Enabled $200M+ deal pipeline with projected IRR of 20-25% and ROI of 2.5-3x. Enhanced pricing (+10% revenue), automated reporting (5000+ hours saved annually), and improved post-acquisition value creation ($4-6M cost reduction, 12-15% productivity boost). Reduced churn by 10-12% with predictive models, boosting customer retention and lifetime value.
🔹 Developed a Generative AI and Agentic AI Pipelines for document intelligence and analytics using open and closed source models along with RAG, Knowledge Graphs, and Vector Databases to automate Q&A, text extraction, summarization, classification, and other use cases.
3️⃣ TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY:
🔹 AI/GenAI/Agentic AI/ML Ecosystem: Supervised & Unsupervised Learning, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Time Series Forecasting, NLP, LLMs, Prompt Engineering, Fine-Tuning, Agentic AI, CoT, Explainable AI, Foundation Models, Video AI, Model Optimization, GPU Performance Tuning.
🔹 Languages & Libraries: Python, SQL, CUDA, TensorRT, Scikit-learn, XGBoost, NumPy, Pandas, PyTorch, Transformers, Matplotlib.
🔹 Frameworks/Tools: LangChain, LangSmith, LangGraph, LangChain Agents, CrewAI, RAG, GraphRAG, NVIDIA AI Enterprise Suite, DGX Systems, blockchain, tokenization, JIRA, Product Design & Prototyping.
🔹 Data & Platforms: GPU Computing Stack, Cloud (AWS, GCP, Azure, Databricks), Big Data (Hadoop, Spark, PySpark), Data Warehouse (Snowflake, BigQuery, Microsoft Fabric), Vector DBs (Pinecone, Mosaic), Knowledge Graphs (Neo4j, TigerGraph), BI Tools (Tableau, Power BI), MLOps(Azure ML), Aladdin (by BlackRock).
4️⃣ PRODUCT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Skilled in rapidly building, scaling & managing cross-fund/asset initiatives from ideation to deployment and iteration.
Headquarters:
Atlanta Metropolitan Area
Followers:
3934
Title:
Global Head of AI and Data Science, Portfolio Analytics Group | Senior Director/SVP (Managing VPs)
Company:
BlackRock
Company Website:
http://www.blackrock.com
Company Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock/
Company Founded In:
1988
Company Size:
10001+
Country:
United States
License And Certifications:
Name: Leading in the C-Suite
Authority: University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education
Company ID: None
Date: 3/2026
URL: https://linkedin.com/company/2850888
Name: AI Governance
Authority: University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education
Company ID: None
Date: 2/2026
URL: https://linkedin.com/company/2850888
Name: Leading AI Transformation in the Enterprise
Authority: University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education
Company ID: None
Date: 12/2025
URL: https://linkedin.com/company/2850888
Name: From Business Strategy to AI Strategy
Authority: University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education
Company ID: None
Date: 11/2025
URL: https://linkedin.com/company/2850888
Name: AI Present and Future
Authority: University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education
Company ID: None
Date: 11/2025
URL: https://linkedin.com/company/2850888
Name: Deploying and Scaling AI
Authority: University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education
Company ID: None
Date: 11/2025
URL: https://linkedin.com/company/2850888
Name: Data Infrastructure and Technology
Authority: University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education
Company ID: None
Date: 11/2025
URL: https://linkedin.com/company/2850888
Work Experience:
Title: Global Head of AI and Data Science, Portfolio Analytics Group | Senior Director/SVP (Managing VPs)
Company: BlackRock
Company URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock/
Industry: Financial Services
Company Size: 10001+
Location: U.S.- Atlanta, New York; U.K.- London
Country: None
Employment Type: Full-time
Start At: 2020
Ends At: Present
Description: SUMMARY:
• Accelerated enterprise-wide AI adoption by identifying over 15 novel use cases of AI. Project details available upon request.
• Achieved over $40M in impact through AI solutions by optimizing investment management processes to enhance sales, drive alpha generation, improve risk management, boost operational efficiency, optimize liquidity and trading workflows, and refine forecasting and pricing. This strategic overhaul, integrating both on-premises and cloud-based data systems.
PUBLICATION AND PATENT:
• The White House cited my co-authored GenAI survey paper (https://arxiv.org/abs/2305.18703v6) in the Economic Report of the President (Chapter 7, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/ERP-2024/pdf/ERP-2024.pdf).
• BlackRock filed a patent for my ML-based approach in Q1 2023 (BLK/P/101040/US/UTL/1 HB59103.103US01) for detecting high-risk, low-frequency anomalies.
• This work generated over $30M in impact.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
• Built Alternative Data Pipeline for PE Secondaries: Designed NLP models analyzing 10K+ private company filings. Delivered 12% IRR improvement in test portfolios.
• Championed strategic transformation, positioning the organization at the forefront of data-driven excellence.
• Focused on data quality, traceability, and accessibility, preparing LOBs for AI adoption.
• Drove a 25% enhancement in process automation across key departments such as product and risk management.
• Achieved a 27% improvement in workflow speed in the test vs control setup by leading the team in applying Generative AI and Natural Language Processing technologies to several use cases, including agent-based execution, chatbots, sentiment analysis, extraction, summarization, etc. which the user interaction time with data and model.
• Orchestrated seamless team integration during internal mergers.
Title: Head of Data Science - Director
Company: Assurant
Company URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4394/
Industry: None
Company Size: None
Location: U.S.- Atlanta, Seattle, Miami
Country: None
Employment Type: Full-time
Start At: 2014
Ends At: 2019
Description: • Provided quarterly updates to the President, CFO, and SVPs.
• Over $15M in revenue increase and cost saving impact through application of various AI driven impactful solutions for various business units - Home Insurance, Rental Insurance, Healthcare Insurance, Auto Warranties, Internet-Connected Devices Insurance (AppleCare, etc.).
• Spearheaded a comprehensive analytics-driven strategy, enhancing policy frameworks across acquisition, account management, collections, fraud prevention, and loss forecasting.
• Directed a global analytics initiative, encompassing all business units and spanning diverse regions including the US, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This initiative was integral in harmonizing analytics practices and insights across the organization.
• Achieved significant reductions in fraud-related losses—8% in mobile insurance and 5% in home insurance—by implementing tailored analytical treatments across various segments. This approach also expedited claim adjudication processes by 15% across multiple lines of business.
• Developed and presented key materials for quarterly earnings calls, specifically for the Global Home line of business. These presentations, focusing on business and industry trends, were delivered to C-level executives, highlighting the performance and strategic direction of the $1.6 billion sub-prime mortgage insurance portfolio.
• Played a strategic role in M&A activities, guiding the identification and selection of potential acquisition targets. These recommendations were instrumental in expanding the Global Home line of business into new market segments, aligning with overall corporate growth objectives.
• Team used Python, SQL, Databricks, DataRobot for solution development.
Title: Senior Data Science and Quantitative Analytics
Company: Nielsen
Company URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nielsen/
Industry: Computer Software
Company Size: 10001+
Location: U.S.- Chicago IL
Country: None
Employment Type: Full-time
Start At: 2012
Ends At: 2013
Description: • Provided strategic counsel to executives at medium and small regional banks, offering insights into actionable customer segmentation strategies for targeted product solicitation and optimizing marketing budget allocation.
• Spearheaded advisory efforts for a regional retailer, guiding the optimal allocation of a substantial marketing budget across diverse product lines, media channels, and campaigns. The focus was on maximizing return on investment through data-driven recommendations.
• Utilized advanced analytical tools, specifically employing Python, R, SAS for comprehensive data preparation, segmentation, and modeling, coupled with Excel for in-depth profitability analysis. This sophisticated approach ensured precision in decision-making and resource allocation.
• Demonstrated adept leadership by managing, developing, and coaching a team of two analysts. This strategic oversight not only enhanced team capabilities but also contributed to the successful execution of data-driven initiatives.
• Played a pivotal role in driving strategic decision-making for both financial institutions and retailers, employing advanced analytics and effective team management to optimize marketing strategies and resource allocation.
Title: Assistant Vice President- Data Science
Company: HSBC
Company URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1241/
Industry: None
Company Size: None
Location: U.S.- Chicago IL, Bay Area CA
Country: None
Employment Type: Full-time
Start At: 2007
Ends At: 2011
Description: • Strategic foresight into the development of advanced credit models for consumer card portfolios, culminating in the creation of an account acquisition credit policy. This strategic innovation catalyzed a tenfold increase in originations within a two-year span, showcasing extraordinary growth and market penetration.
• Orchestrated strategic enhancements to credit policies during the challenging period of the Great Recession. These refinements significantly mitigated risk, evidenced by a 35% reduction in 60+ day delinquency rates, thereby safeguarding the financial health of various portfolios.
• Employed a suite of sophisticated analytical tools, including R, SAS, SQL, Excel, and PowerPoint, to dissect complex data sets. This analysis was pivotal in deriving actionable insights and articulating clear, persuasive recommendations to senior executives and collaborative teams, ensuring informed decision-making.
• Directed comprehensive P&L analysis using data science and refined customer segmentation strategies, driving enhancements in overall profitability. This approach demonstrated a keen understanding of market dynamics and customer behavior, aligning financial performance with strategic business objectives.
• These and many other initiatives were instrumental in optimizing financial planning and strategy execution, thereby contributing significantly to the company’s sustainable growth and competitive positioning.
Education:
School: 🔹U. Chicago Booth- Chief AI Officer Exec Program🔹Kellogg/Northwestern (MBA)🔹UNC (MS-OR)🔹IIT Madras (BTech) 🔹Indian National Mathematics Olympiad
Degree:
Field:
Period:
School: Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
Degree: MBA
Field: Finance
Period:
School: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Degree: MS
Field: Operations Research
Period:
School: Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
Degree: Bachelor of Technology - BTech
Field: Chemical Engineering (Major) and Operations Research (Minor)
Period:
Headline:
Enterprise AI/ML & Data Executive | Scale, ROI, Data Strategy, Governance | Agentic & Gen AI Dev | C-suite KPIs | Global Head of AI @BlackRock’s Portfolio Analytics Group | $100M value BU/HF/PE | Reuters Speaker, Patent
Connections:
3089
Skills:
Agenda, Elevator Pitches, Research Projects, Product Management, Senior Management Communications, Stakeholder Management, Large Language Models (LLM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internal and External Communications, Presentations, Project Management, Technology Alignment, Streamlining Operational Processes, Prompt Engineering, Academic Background, Credit Bureau, Customer Segmentation Strategy, Data Literacy, Conceptualizer, Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), Generative AI, Fostering inclusivity, SQL, SAS, Team Culture, Management, Leadership, Communication, Build Strong Relationships, Strategic Planning, Strategy, BIAS TO ACTION, Player Coach, Data Strategies, Business Initiatives, Data Governance, Performance Motivation, Financial Modeling, Valuation, P&L Analysis, Business Strategy, Financial Services, Risk Management, Segmentation
Experience:
Title: Global Head of AI and Data Science, Portfolio Analytics Group | Senior Director/SVP (Managing VPs)
Company: BlackRock
Location: U.S.- Atlanta, New York; U.K.- London
Start: 2020
End: Present
Title: Head of Data Science - Director
Company: Assurant
Location: U.S.- Atlanta, Seattle, Miami
Start: 2014
End: 2020
Title: Senior Data Science and Quantitative Analytics
Company: Nielsen (formerly Marketing Analytics)
Location: U.S.- Chicago IL
Start: 2012
End: 2013
Title: Assistant Vice President- Data Science
Company: HSBC
Location: U.S.- Chicago IL
Start: 2005
End: 2011
Awards:
Honors | |