David Zhao

About David Zhao

David Zhao is a global operations and Entrepreneur with 16+ years of experience driving large-scale transformation across automotive manufacturing, engineering, and digital operations. My background spans Ford Motor Company, Tier-1 electronics, global supply networks, and international manufacturing programs across the U.S, Mexico, Europe, China, and Indonesia.David specializes in AI manufacturing, smart factory strategy, predictive quality, digital twins, and end-to-end operation transformation. With a foundation in mechanical and electrical engineering, an MBA, and advanced training in applied AI, he bridges deep technical understanding with executive business leadership.David has led programs that improved OEE, reduced warranty cost, stabilized operations, modernized MES/MRP systems, and delivered multimillion-dollar savings through data-driven decision-making and AI-enabled processes. David\'s experience includes EV/ICE vehicle programs, global supplier strategies, and cross-functional transformation governance.David passionates about building next-generation autonomous factories, integrating AI with manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain, and elevating operational performance at enterprise scale. David\'s goal is to help organizations achieve step-change improvements through intelligent systems, advanced analytics, and world-class operational excellence.

Experience

1. Head of Ai Enablement (Project) Predictive Operations & Decision Intelligence

   Ford Motor Company

   Jan 2026 — Present

   Led an AI-driven predictive modeling initiative to prioritize enterprise workstreams using Google Cloud Platform (GCP) data and operational history, improving decision quality and execution focus.• Recruited and managed a third-party AI/ML vendor, defining scope, success metrics, and delivery milestones; ensured governance, quality, and on-time outcomes in a matrix organization.• Translated business needs into a Ford-standard operating workflow, converting vendor outputs into scalable, repeatable processes (intake → scoring → prioritization → execution).• Developed an LLM + ML approach that mines historical records to predict future occurrence/volume and risk of issues, enabling proactive prioritization and capacity planning.• Embedded model outputs into day-to-day operations via scorecards and prioritization logic, improving efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of triage and planning.• Established model performance monitoring and adoption tracking (precision/recall, drift signals, business KPIs), ensuring the solution remains reliable as data and operations evolve.• Created executive-ready narratives and dashboards to align stakeholders on value, trade-offs, and roadmap, accelerating decisions and scaling adoption across teams.

Education

• Wayne State University

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), MBA

  2014 — 2018

• Jiangsu University

  Bachelor's Degree, Mechanical Engineering

  2005 — 2009

• Brown University

  Postgraduate Degree, Applied AI & Data science

• Wayne State University

  Master's degree, Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

  2010 — 2011