Wes Chaar

Wes’ career started in Aerospace Engineering where he contributed to the US Space Exploration Program and Mars Missions. He was first to introduce the concepts of Adaptive Navigation Systems using Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning combined with Genetic Algorithms for use in Deep Space Missions. Transitioning from Aerospace Engineering to the business world, Wes brought his deep knowledge of mathematical modeling and computer science, establishing himself as a leading expert in the Analytics, Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Fusion fields. Over the course of his career, Wes has driven industry-leading innovations in the Airlines, Hospitality, CPG, Retail, Advertising, Media, Marketing, Private Equity, and Data Services sectors. His work has been recognized, including receiving an Emmy for Engineering and Technology (Turner team), the INFORMS Innovative Applications of Analytics Award, the ANA Genius Awards for Marketing Analytics Science, the ANA Genius Awards for Excellence in Pioneering Analytics Innovation, the ARF Great Mind Award in Analytics Leadership, Corinium’s Top 100 Innovators in Data & Analytics for the Americas, finalist for the Wagner Prize, finalist for the Edelman Award, and more. Furthermore, he has published in numerous journals and proceedings, including IEEE Transactions, M&SOM, AAS, Interfaces, and others, and has presented at conferences around the globe. He is a member of AIAA, IEEE, and INFORMS. Wes attended the American University of Beirut (B.E. in Computer and Communications Engineering), the University of West Florida (M.S. in Computer Science), and the University of Texas at Austin (Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering). He resides in Dallas, Texas.