Todd James

About Todd James

CEO | Board Director | Fortune 25 AI & Technology ExecutiveI help boards and executive teams harness artificial intelligence and digital transformation responsibly, strategically, and at scale. As an executive with The Kroger Co.(Fortune 25), I was accountable for the company’s enterprise-wide AI strategy and served as Chief Data & Technology Officer for its subsidiary, 84.51°, leading technology, data, analytics, and R&D functions. In these roles, I partnered with Kroger’s senior leadership and Board of Directors to embed AI into business strategies, enhance decision-making, and scale adoption across the $140B enterprise.Today, as Founder and CEO of Aurora Insights, I work with corporate boards, CEOs, and private equity firms to accelerate AI adoption in ways that create sustainable enterprise value. My focus is on aligning technology, governance, and strategy to unlock growth while managing risk.Previously, I spent 15 years at Fidelity Investments, building and scaling global analytics and technology capabilities, leading enterprise business transformation, and directing the firm’s Cross-Enterprise AI Center of Excellence. Earlier in my career, I was a senior leader at Deloitte, where I guided complex, multi-stakeholder transformations for Fortune 500 companies and federal agencies.I began my career as a U.S. Coast Guard officer, gaining leadership, operational, and information security experience that shaped my approach to resilience and accountability.My perspectives have been featured in Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, CIO Magazine, and Harvard Data Science Review, and I am a frequent keynote speaker on AI strategy, governance, and digital risk.Whether advising a board, a CEO, or a leadership team, my focus is on ensuring AI delivers measurable business value—while protecting against emerging risks.I am active on LinkedIn and invite you to connect with me or reach out by email: t•••••@aurorainsightsllc.com

Experience

1. Founder & CEO

   Aurora Insights

   Apr 2025 — Present · US

   As the Founder and CEO of Aurora Insights, I lead a specialized firm dedicated to helping organizations unlock the transformative potential of AI. We partner with business leaders to strategically, holistically, and responsibly integrate AI into their operations, ensuring adoption accelerates and delivers measurable economic benefits.Leveraging over 20 years of experience in advanced data and analytics leadership roles with Fortune 500 companies like Kroger and Fidelity Investments, I guide clients to navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI integration. Aurora Insights offers a comprehensive range of services—from AI readiness assessments to talent strategy—empowering businesses to drive competitive advantage and maximize the value of their data and analytic assets.

Education

• William & Mary – Raymond A. Mason School of Business

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Administration

• US Coast Guard Academy

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Mathematics and Computer Science

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  Master of Science - MS, Computer Science

Skills

• Executive Management
• Artificial Intelligence
• Fintech
• Operations Management
• Financial Services
• Series 7
• Business Transformation
• Business Intelligence
• AI
• Profit Center Management
• Business Analysis
• General Securities Principal
• Organizational Design
• Business Process Improvement
• Service Management
• IT Management
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Mergers
• Series 24
• Management
• Business Analytics
• Outsourcing
• Program Management
• General Securities Registered Representative
• Vendor Management
• Employee Learning & Development
• Leadership Development
• Clo
• Strategy
• Consulting
• Management Consulting
• Business Management
• Risk Management
• Leadership
• IT Strategy
• Analytics
• Business Strategy
• Strategic Planning
• Process Improvement
• Data Science