Marilena Karanika

Marilena Karanika is an experienced professional in credit risk modelling and analytics, currently serving as the Head of Data Innovation and Head of Categorisation at Experian since April 2020. With over a decade in the field, Marilena leads a team focused on the development of Categorisation-as-a-Service (CaaS) machine learning engines, supporting various financial institutions in leveraging their data for improved decision-making and customer engagement. Prior to Experian, Marilena held multiple roles at the Royal Bank of Scotland, culminating as a Modelling & Analytics Manager, overseeing significant projects on credit application and behavioural models while also fostering the development of junior analysts. Marilena began their career as a Computer Lab Assistant and Data Analyst at the University of Athens, where foundational skills in programming and data integrity were developed. Academic qualifications include an MSc in Operational Research with Risk from The University of Edinburgh and a BSc in Mathematics from the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens.