Tufan Arikan

About Tufan Arikan

As a seasoned AI and Data Analytics Executive, I partner with C-Level Executives to transform businesses by embedding artificial intelligence and data analytics into the core of their strategy. My passion lies in converting data from a technical asset into a primary driver of business optimization, revenue growth, and competitive advantage.With extensive international experience (Krakow, Geneva, Montreal, Istanbul, Bangalore, Hyderabad), I have a proven history of building and leading high-performing global teams to deliver enterprise-wide initiatives. I thrive on bridging the gap between business and technology, fostering AI/data-literate cultures, and delivering measurable ROI.Core Competencies: Strategic Leadership: Driving digital transformation, data monetization strategies, and aligning technology roadmaps with executive business goals AI/DataAnalytics Product Management: Full P&L ownership and lifecycle management for 8-figure Data, Analytics and AI product portfolios, from ideation and funding to go-to-market and growth Technology & Platform Modernization: Architecting and implementing large-scale, modern cloud data platforms (AWS, GCP, OCI) and AI/ML Ops ecosystems (Bedrock, SageMaker, LLMs) Data Governance & Culture: Establishing robust frameworks for data governance, quality, privacy (GDPR, CCPA), and security, while championing AI/data literacy and self-service analytics across the enterprise Innovation & Delivery: Leading Data Science, AI/ML, and Process Automation teams to deliver solutions that optimize supply chains, enhance customer experience, and reduce operational costsKey Achievements: Spearheaded P&L growth by launching and scaling innovative AI and Data Analytics product lines Architected and executed comprehensive data strategies that yielded significant, positive business impact Built and mentored high-performing global data teams, including establishing successful offshore competency centers in Poland and India Recognized thought leader and conference speaker on AI, Data Analytics, and Strategy development Distinguished member of Gartner C-Level Communities, Governing body of Chief Data & Analytics Officer (CDAO) Group

Experience

1. Chief Data and Ai Officer

   Pera Systems Co

   Feb 2026 — Present · Dallas, TX, US

Education

• Southern Methodist University

  Engineering and Applied Science, Engineering Physics

  1993 — 1994

• The University of Texas at Dallas

  Masters, Physics

  1994 — 1995

• The University of Texas at Dallas

  Ph.D. Physics (All but Dissertation), Fiber Optic Telecommunications

  1995 — 1998

• Robert Kennedy College, Zurich, Switzerland

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Artificial Intelligence

• Ankara University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Engineering Physics/Applied Physics

• Ankara University

  Masters, Engineering Physics/Applied Physics

  1990 — 1992

• The University of Texas at Dallas

  Ph.D. Electrical Engineering (All but Dissertation), Fiber Optic Telecommunications

  1995 — 1998

• MIT Sloan School of Management

  Executive Program, Business

  2006

Skills

• Data Warehousing
• Business Process Improvement
• Ssis
• Data Warehouse Architecture
• Epm
• Software Design
• Informatica
• IT Strategy
• Dashboards
• Teradata
• Program Management
• Hyperion
• Olap
• Requirements Gathering
• Ssrs
• Data Management
• Cloud Development
• Business Intelligence Tools
• Ssas
• Data Governance
• Microsoft Sql Server
• Data Integration
• Business Analysis
• Cognos
• Oracle
• Data Mining
• Requirements Analysis
• Database Design
• Consulting
• Sql Server
• Data Migration
• Analytics
• Business Objects
• Pl/Sql
• Web Applications
• Servers
• Essbase
• Obiee
• Sdlc
• Solution Architecture