David Stephenson, Ph.D.

Helping Organizations

Build and Steer Analytics Programs

Services

Data Strategy

Training & Executive Seminars

Coaching

Interim Leadership

Contact Me

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Although most of my time is spent working directly with clients, I also design and teach courses at the Amsterdam Business School and have served as program chair for machine learning conferences in Europe and the USA.

EXPERIENCE

I’ve led and advised analytics initiatives at large multinationals (eBay, adidas, Miro, etc.) as well as regional organizations (ABN Amro, Sky Germany, Coolblue, etc.). I also help VC-backed companies leverage data and analytics during periods of rapid growth and transformation.

BACKGROUND

I grew up in Pennsylvania, with a few years in upstate New York. Since completing my Ph.D. at Cornell, I’ve spent 20 years leading analytics initiatives across a wide range of sectors. For part of this time I led global analytics at the eBay Classifieds Group, with teams spread across six continents. I’m currently based in Amsterdam, with clients across the globe.

PUBLICATIONS

Financial Times Press commissioned me to write Big Data Demystified, a non-technical, practical book for an executive audience. My second book, Business Skills for Data Scientists was written for practitioners.

I’ve allocated a few hours in my calendar Wed afternoons when analytics professionals can book (free) 1-1 sessions to ask questions related to soft / business skills: e.g. communication/presentations, stakeholder management, project management, strategic alignment, etc. Feel free to reserve a spot by hitting this button.

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Client Testimonials

“David contributed significantly in understanding what is proper data science setup for Miro and helped to bring the right person for the Head of Data Science role.

Through our partnership, I consider David as a great thought leader, with the right balance of tech & business in his approach to industrial data science. Over that he is an extremely pleasant and passionate personality.”

-Dmitri Potapov
Head of Product Analytics
Miro

“David and I worked together for 8 months, during which time he proved to be of tremendous value, helping shape and deliver some of our core data products, and winning the respect and accolade of the team and of our internal clients.”

-Joshan Meenowa
Director of Data Science
Adidas

“David was a tremendous support in defining the contours of our data strategy within our global (marketing) environment. He successfully ran workshops with our global CMO community to increase the overall awareness around the essential need and benefits of a clear data strategy. I very much enjoyed working with him!”

-Frank Oerlemans
Director of Marketing and Communications
Digital Strategist for Asia Pacific
Randstad