John is an international technology executive with over 38 years of experience in the fields of data, advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI).
Most recently, John was responsible for the AI functions and operations at EY on a global basis. Previously, he led the global advanced analytics and AI function at a leading biopharmaceutical company where he and his team that developed and deployed over 25 analytical applications in 4.5 years. John was an Executive Partner at Gartner, where he was management consultant to market leading companies in the areas of digital transformation, data monetization and advanced analytics. Before Gartner, John was responsible for the advanced analytics business unit of the Dell Software Group.
John is the author of the bestselling books:
- The Path to AGI: Artificial General Intelligence: Past, Present, and Future. When most people talk about AI, they are talking about Generative AI (GenAI). GenAI is useful and valuable and will drive significant value, but the field of AI is much more than GenAI. AI has been under active development for over 70 years. Read all about the nuances and differences in each of the three areas of AI. As AI moves towards larger and more comprehensive applications and solutions, we will see an evolution of all three areas of AI, and, at the same time, we will see a convergence of the three areas toward Composite AI. Composite AI will be the state of the art for many years and possibly even decades. Composite AI will grow and evolve into Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). While AGI is an exciting theme for science fiction movies, it will not arrive in the next few years. The path to AGI will be long and challenging. In the book we discuss the pragmatic and practical path in detail. Business leaders and technologists need to understand where AI is moving. The book outlines one of the most probable paths unfolding over the next few decades as we move toward AI being embedded in all systems and operations. AI will become a utility like electricity and water, but we have a long road of sophisticated development to navigate before we arrive at that point. The Path to AGI is a reference book and guide for those interested in all types of AI and how these types will merge, integrate, and evolve into one of the most consequential technologies the world has ever seen.
- Causal Artificial Intelligence: The Next Step in Effective Business AI. Has been written for technology and business professionals to provide and introduction to the topic of Causal AI. The book’s discussions include both accessible and understandable technical detail and business context and concepts that frame causal AI in familiar business settings. The book contains clear and compelling descriptions of the concept of causality and how it can benefit your organization. As well as detailed use cases and examples that vividly demonstrate the value of causality for solving business problems. An enlightening and easy-to-understand treatment of an essential business topic, Causal Artificial Intelligence is a must-read for data scientists, subject matter experts, and business leaders seeking to familiarize themselves with a rapidly growing area of AI application and research.
- Data for All: Is intended for all people who are interested in, and possibly concerned, about the data that they are continuously creating as a by-product of almost all activities of their everyday life. The book delves into what commercial companies, governments, academic institutions, market research firms, data syndication companies, and other interested parties are doing with the data they collect about you, your children, your spouse, your parents, and everyone that you know…and everyone that you do not know as well. In this book, we discuss your data and the changes related to your data that are coming in the next few years. You will want to know what to do, and this book tells you in detail what you can do.
– Analytics Teams: Harnessing analytics and artificial intelligence for business improvement. The book was published in June 2020 and outlines how to hire and manage high performance advanced analytics teams. The book outlines how to engage with executives and senior managers. How to select and undertake analytics projects that change and improve how a business operates.
– Analytics: How to win with Intelligence, which debuted on Amazon as the #1 new book in Analytics in 2017. Analytics is a book that guides non-technical executives through the journey of creating an analytics function, funding initiatives and driving change in business operations through data and applied analytical applications.
Mr. Thompson’s technology expertise includes all aspects of advanced analytics and information management including – descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics, artificial intelligence, analytical applications, deep learning, cognitive computing, big data, data warehousing, business intelligence systems, and high-performance computing.
One of John’s primary areas of focus and interest has been to create innovative technologies to increase the value derived by organizations around the world.
John has built start-up organizations from the ground up and he has reengineered business units of Fortune 500 firms to reach their potential. He has directly managed and run - sales, marketing, consulting, support and product development organizations.
He is a technology leader with expertise and experience spanning all operational areas with a focus on strategy, product innovation, growth and efficient execution.
Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Ferris State University and a MBA in Marketing from DePaul University.
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