Ritesh Khire

About Ritesh Khire

Results-oriented leader with a proven track record of driving significant commercial value through optimization and AI/ML solutions. Demonstrated expertise in leveraging data science to address complex challenges across retail and engineering sectors, resulting in over $100 million in revenue growth in FY 23 alone.With a Ph.D. in Operation Research, I bring a deep understanding of mathematical modeling and algorithmic development. I am passionate about bridging the gap between scientific advances and real-world applications, and I am not afraid to take calculated risks to achieve transformative results. My career is marked by a consistent ability to identify and capitalize on impactful opportunities, building and leading high-performing teams of data scientists and developers.My experience spans a diverse range of business areas, including merchandising, supply chain, in-store operations, personalization, and manufacturing. This versatility allows me to connect scientific insights with practical applications, delivering innovative solutions that drive tangible business value.Known for my ability to communicate effectively across technical and executive audiences, I excel in fostering cross-functional collaboration to deliver innovative solutions.

Experience

1. VP, Technical Lead and Head of 84 51 Labs

   84.51˚

   May 2024 — Present · NY, US

   Promoted from leading the Research Center within 84.51 LABS to heading the complete LABS organization when senior leadership departed. Assumed full operational and strategic responsibility for all LABS division, maintaining program momentum while scaling leadership scope to encompass expanded innovation portfolio. As head of LABS, I am responsible for accelerating transformative AI innovation in 84.51 and Kroger ecosystem by identifying and de-risking high-risk/high-reward opportunities- Leading a team of 25 data scientists and engineers across a diverse innovation portfolio that consistently delivered significant ROI annually. Successfully navigated team through organizational restructuring while implementing new operating model that enhanced both productivity and measurable outcomes- Developed robust Gen AI, ML, Optimization research pipeline by strategically aligning cutting-edge technical innovations with business priorities through targeted partnerships across business units- AI portfolio delivered substantial value and measurable business impact during FY24, demonstrating clear returns on innovation investments (ROI)- Cultivated executive relationships that secured significant funding and C-suite support for scaling the technical initiatives in various businesses. Successfully elevating LABS from support function to strategic business driver- Stay abreast of emerging research and trends spanning AI, ML, and operations research to identify innovative opportunities for improving customer experience (CX), pricing & promotion strategy, manufacturing & supply chain processes, e-commerce experiences, and more- Partner with cross-functional teams across data, engineering, and product to incubate promising innovations and scale successful prototypes into production systems

Skills

• Matlab
• Thermodynamics
• Cluster Analysis
• Mechanical Engineering
• Finite Element Analysis
• R
• Thermal
• Condition Based Maintenance
• Design of Experiments
• Engineering
• Renewable Energy
• Robotics
• Machine Learning
• Aerodynamics
• Optimization
• Materials Science
• Energy
• Fault Isolation
• Life Prediction Model
• Usage Analysis
• Numerical Analysis
• Algorithms
• R&D
• Classification
• Ansys
• Fortran
• Heat Transfer
• Simulink
• Fluid Mechanics
• Simulations
• Fluid Dynamics
• Systems Engineering
• Labview
• Data Visualization
• Data Science
• Mathematical Modeling
• Photovoltaics
• Mems
• Topology Optimization
• Modeling