Overview
Rob Wellen is an experienced data and AI executive with more than two decades of experience driving growth through data and AI-led transformation. He leads data and artificial intelligence initiatives with a focus on helping mid-market organizations use data, AI, and automation to accelerate growth, reduce costs, scale operations, and improve decision-making. Rob specializes in AI strategy development and execution, guiding organizations across the full AI lifecycle, from defining business cases and roadmaps to embedding data and AI solutions into workflows and operating models. Known for translating complex business problems into practical, actionable solutions, he serves as a trusted advisor to leaders who are keen to adopt data and AI in ways that deliver measurable business value.
Experience
Throughout the course of his career, Rob has built, scaled, and led multiple data and AI practices from the ground up, transforming early-stage capabilities into high-performing growth engines. He brings deep experience across AI strategy, governance, data, analytics, and go-to-market execution, with a consistent focus on revenue creation and operational efficiency. Rob has led and developed data science and AI solution teams for more than a decade, working closely with clients across industries to design, build, and operationalize AI solutions that align with real business needs.
Rob’s background as a sales and revenue leader complements his technical skill, enabling him to restructure organizations, create new revenue streams, and form strategic partnerships that drive sustained growth. He is recognized for fostering forward-thinking, people-centered cultures rooted in trust, accountability, and continuous learning. His leadership philosophy emphasizes meeting teams and clients where they are, understanding their business problems, simplifying complex challenges, and helping organizations move forward confidently at a pace that fits their business. This combination of strategic vision, execution discipline, and servant leadership has resulted in repeated success building scalable, trusted data and AI-driven organizations.
Education & Affiliations
Rob earned a Master of Science in Information Management from Dominican University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Concordia University Chicago. He is a founding member of the Chicago AI Executive Circle in partnership with Dominican University, where he contributes to executive-level AI education and peer collaboration. He also participates in regional AI leadership networks and serves on nonprofit boards, including the Tri-Town YMCA and the Martin Luther King Unity Breakfast Board in Chicago. Rob was recognized as one of the Top 25 AI Consulting Leaders by The Consulting Report in 2024.