Joseph Byrum

Joseph Byrum is a leader known for delivering results through knowledge-based solutions.

In his current role at Principal Financial Group, Dr. Byrum is Chief Data Scientist. He was recruited to build and manage a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence tool for equity trading, which involved assembling a skilled internal team to collaborate with best-in-class external partners. The result is an unrivaled financial analysis engine that boosts the accuracy of asset selection, reduces operational costs, and builds profitability. In addition to managing and extending this system’s capabilities, Dr. Byrum continues to develop new ways to transform the way Principal does business.

In his past role at Syngenta, Dr. Byrum opened the company’s eyes to the value of data-centric R&D. As Global Head of Product Development (Oilseeds) and Head of Quantitative Sciences, Dr. Byrum led operational, administrative, and financial oversight of R&D operations spanning the Americas. With 60 direct reports and annual investments exceeding $100 million, he managed the development of a suite of data analytics tools for the breeding of soybean that secured $287 million in cost avoidance. This effectively doubled the breeding program’s efficiency, garnering the attention of INFORMS, which awarded the effort the 2015 Edelman Prize—a first for any agricultural firm. The tools were expanded to cover the rest of the company’s high-value crop portfolio, writing a new chapter in advanced crop development. Rather than rest on this accomplishment, Dr. Byrum set out to apply analytical techniques to improve sales of these products with an engine that recommends the most appropriate advanced offering to meet the precise needs of each individual customer. The effectiveness of these analytical tools was recognized with the 2016 ANA Genius Award—again, a first for agriculture.

Dr. Byrum holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from Iowa State University, an M.B.A from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, and both an M.S. in Science and Genetics and a B.S. in Science, Crop and Soil Science from Michigan State University.