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Anna Russo, Global Data Science Director, Gucci

Anna Russo, Global Data Science Director, Gucci

Describe your career to date

Since my first line of BASIC code on a Commodore64 at age seven, I have nurtured a deep connection to numbers and computing. Inspired by my family of scientists and engineers, this early exploration led to a lasting passion for mathematics and computer science.

Considering maths a universal language, I naturally focused on Theoretical and Applied Mathematics at the University Federico II of Naples. To apply theoretical knowledge to real challenges, I pursued a PhD in Computational Biology at the University of Milan, exploring cancer genomics with support from the Italian Association for Cancer Research. This phase introduced me to the captivating realm of machine learning (ML), laying the foundation for my journey into data science.

In 2016, I launched my data science career as a Faculty AI fellow, swiftly transitioning to QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey. With diverse industry experience in pharma, oil and gas, and automotive, my rewarding tenure at Channel 4 in 2018 resulted in multiple awards for our data science team. After Channel 4, I joined Skyscanner, focusing on Recommender Systems and Transfer Learning.

In 2021, Gucci offered me the role of their inaugural Global Head of Data Science. Proudly shaping Gucci’s data science vision, I assembled a dynamic team across Italy, UK, and China. My 2022 promotion to Global Corporate Data Science Director underscored Gucci’s commitment to a data and AI-driven future. Actively contributing to the data community, my team and I engaged in international conferences, local meetups, and shared MLOps best practices, enhancing Gucci’s profile in the data and AI field.

In 2023, I was honoured on the DataI00 list, and the Gucci Data Science team was shortlisted for the Best Data and Analytics team award.

Data literacy is a key enabler of the value and impact from data. How are you approaching this within your organisation?

Data literacy is indeed an essential cornerstone for maximising the value we obtain from our data. At Gucci, we have taken a multi-layered approach to enhance data literacy across our organisation. One of the flagship initiatives I am immensely proud of is the Gucci AI Day. This annual event brings together AI experts and thought leaders such as Cassie Kozyrkov, to educate our teams on pertinent AI topics, ensuring we are not just leveraging AI but deeply understanding its potential and implications.

Moreover, to bridge the gap between our technical teams and business units, I have championed an Advanced Analytics bootcamp with the support of OnTrain specifically for our business teams. This program aims to simplify and teach SQL and Python for advanced analytics. It seeks to demystify complex data concepts, providing our business analysts with the tools for self-serve analytics and breaking down data and knowledge silos.

Additionally, we have curated specialised courses on our internal educational platform on topics such as how to responsibly use ChatGPT. These modules cater to various proficiency levels, ensuring every team member, regardless of their background, has access to the resources they need to enhance their data literacy.

Lastly, transparent communication is key. I have ensured that our achievements, ongoing projects, and insights are shared across internal channels on Workplace through Gucci News and Gucci Data Science channels. This not only keeps the entire organisation informed, but also fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. We believe that when everyone speaks the language of data, our collective potential is limitless.

How are you preparing your organisation for AI adoption and change management?

Integrating AI into our brand operations is a top priority. Leadership commitment is key, with our executive team actively advocating the strategic importance of AI. We have implemented comprehensive training programmes that extend beyond technical skills to prepare our workforce for AI’s transformative impact on productivity.

We have also been fostering cross-functional collaboration between teams through dedicated channels to align with overarching AI goals. Our phased approach includes small-scale pilot projects to assess feasibility and impact before broader implementation, ensuring scalability with a thorough evaluation of infrastructure and resource requirements. Clear communication is crucial, supported by a robust plan addressing AI adoption objectives, benefits, and associated changes.

Change management is handled comprehensively, identifying key stakeholders and providing support mechanisms to address potential resistance. Moreover, we uphold ethical standards with stringent guidelines aligning AI usage with our brand values. Strong data governance practices ensure quality, security, and privacy, building trust and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Finally, continuous monitoring and evaluation, coupled with feedback loops, allow us to make informed adjustments iteratively.

Anna Russo
has been included in:

100 Brands 2023 (EMEA)
100 Brands 2024 (EMEA)

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