Ray Collins

About Ray Collins

Most organizations are drowning in data but starving for actionable AI value. I bridge that gap.As a Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, I help global leaders move beyond the hype of Generative AI to build scalable, high-impact AI strategies. My mission is to ensure that data, analytics, and AI aren\'t just technical projects, they are business value engines.At McKinsey, I designed and implemented the operating model for Lilli, their breakthrough Generative AI product. I know exactly what it takes to navigate the complexities of data quality, security, and cross-functional alignment to bring a GenAI vision to life.My areas of expertise include:+Strategic AI/Data Alignment: Linking technical roadmaps to the bottom line.+Generative AI Product Strategy: From ideation to operating models and governance.+Modern Data Management: Scaling data engineering, quality, and compliance.+Data Governance: Ensuring usability and security without stifling innovation.I’m a technologist by training (Computer Science) but a strategist by trade. I believe the best data programs aren\'t the most complex, they\'re the ones that people actually use to make better decisions.

Experience

1. Senior Director, Analyst Data, Analytics, and Ai

   Gartner

   Jan 2026 — Present

   Providing actionable insights to data, analytics & AI leaders through research and advisory

Education

• UC Santa Barbara

  Bachelors of Science, Computer Science

  2004 — 2009

Skills

• Big Data
• Hadoop
• Hive
• Cloudera
• Data Science
• R
• Databases
• Etl
• Java
• Sql
• Project Management
• Oracle
• Microsoft Sql Server
• Software Development
• Business Intelligence
• Software Consulting
• Agile Methodologies
• Xml
• Integration
• Data Warehousing
• Html
• C#
• Ios Development
• Perl
• .net
• Soa
• Linux
• C++
• Informatica
• Talend
• Scrum
• Enterprise Software
• Saas
• Cloud Computing
• Visual Studio
• Mysql
• Vb.net
• Software Engineering
• Programming
• Data Transformation