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  • Jit Papneja, Vice President Data Analytics, Reynolds American

Jit Papneja, Vice President Data Analytics, Reynolds American

What has been your path to power? 

I started my career in Insights, Data and Analytics in India in 1999 post-MBA in marketing. I am an accomplished senior data analytics global leader with 23 years of experience driving profitable growth based on breakthrough analytics and insights in the fast-paced and culturally diverse global leading consumer products organizations – Reynolds American (part of BAT), Nestle, Coca Cola, Johnson and Johnson, Bayer, and Mondelez.

At Reynolds American, as the vice president and head of data analytics team, I am responsible for driving the conception and implementation of a state-of-the-art data and analytics center of excellence with a focus on enablement strategy and capability building across US commercial functions. Prior to this, I have held various analytics leadership roles at Nestle, The Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Bayer, and Mondelez International.

 

I was awarded the Researcher of the Year global award in 2017 for developing and implementing a best-in-class toolkit for integrated marketing communication at Johnson & Johnson.

What are your key areas of focus for data and analytics in 2022? 

Currently, my key focus areas include end-to-end data management and developing a data-driven culture within the organization. I am also working on developing high value AI and ML powered business use cases to drive profitable growth and enable the team to extract the most from the data we have. Elsewhere, there is a focus on upskilling talent within the organization and raising the data and analytics acumen of the company.

 

Tell us what leadership means to you in the context of your role as a senior data leader. 

I aim to get the best out of my team by providing clarity on the “why” behind all big initiatives. A fundamental understanding of initiatives and the aims we are seeking is a surefire way to be able to draw the most from a team. I also seek to drive influence and impact through increased business acumen and storytelling via continuous coaching and training. Finally, I hope to inspire the entire company to become data driven.

 

And what about the skills of your data teams and of your business stakeholders? How are you developing data literacy across the company/organization? 

Data skills and literacy are being heightened through the use of a persona based training program on data familiarity (what data is best for what purpose), leverage, usage and adoption. I also leverage our data catalog for data findability, quality and governance.

 

 

Jit Papneja
has been included in:
  • 100 Brands 2022 (USA)

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