Katia Walsh is a Digital and AI leader with a track record of pioneering value creation through data and AI across industries and countries. She joins us from Harvard Business School where she served as the inaugural Chief Digital Officer, deploying Generative AI-powered educational experiences. Before HBS, Katia was the first Chief Global Strategy and Artificial Intelligence Officer of Levi Strauss & Co. helping the company to strengthen its eCommerce; customize assortment, optimize pricing; and digitize merchandise planning and inventory management. Prior to Levi’s, Katia was the first Chief Global Big Data and AI Officer at Vodafone Group, leading its 25 operating countries’ AI adoption to maximize customer value management, optimize network Capex investments, and monetize data. Before that, she co-founded the Chief Customer Office at Prudential Financial as part of the company’s digital transformation and held leadership roles at Fidelity Investments and Forrester Research, Inc.

Katia has received numerous international awards for AI and data leadership and mentorship. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia with specializations in new communication technology and quantitative methodology. Her book, “Winning With Generative AI: The 90-Day Blueprint For Success,” with co-author Charlene Li, is scheduled for publication in the first half of 2025.