Akshay Kumar Katta

Akshay Kumar Katta has over 15 years of work experience in the field of data science and operations research. Akshay Kumar most recently worked as the VP of Data Science at project44 starting in 2024. Prior to that, they held the position of Director of Data Science at Shopify from 2022 to 2023, where they built and led a high-performing data science team focused on optimizing Shopify Logistics' fulfillment and distribution business. Akshay Kumar then joined Flexport as part of the Shopify Logistics acquisition.

Before Shopify, Akshay worked at Target as the Senior Director of Research & Data Science from 2017 to 2022. There, they built and led a team of over 35 scientists, focusing on developing algorithms and tools to optimize Target's supply chain decisions.

Prior to Target, Akshay worked at Amazon for several years. Akshay Kumar held multiple roles, including Senior Manager of Research Science from 2014 to 2017, Senior Operations Research Scientist from 2010 to 2014, and Operations Research Scientist from 2006 to 2010. In these roles, they were responsible for developing tools and models to inform Amazon's transportation network expansion and improve operational efficiency. Akshay Kumar successfully led teams and made key decisions to support the company's growth and optimize costs.

Overall, Akshay Kumar Katta has a strong background in data science, operations research, and supply chain optimization, with experience at leading companies in the industry.

Akshay Kumar Katta completed a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras from 1997 to 2001. Akshay Kumar then pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Operations Research at Columbia University from 2001 to 2002. Subsequently, from 2003 to 2005, Akshay Kumar Katta obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Operations Research, also from Columbia University.