Suggestions
Craig Rich
Managing Partner, Business Analytics and Innovation at iOLAP, Inc.
Professional Background
Craig M. Rich is a distinguished Managing Partner of Business Analytics and Innovation at iOLAP, where he spearheads initiatives that foster leadership and stimulate growth within the firm’s Big Data and Analytics Consulting Practice. With a robust career spanning over 20 years, Craig has honed his skills in the professional services sector, particularly in data and analytics. His extensive experience positions him as a strong leader who is committed to delivering innovative technology solutions to clients, enabling them to harness data for actionable insights and progressive improvements in their business analytical capabilities.
Craig’s journey in the world of data and analytics is marked by a series of impactful roles, culminating in his current leadership position at iOLAP. He previously held pivotal responsibilities as the Vice President and Partner for North America’s SAP HANA and Analytics at IBM. Under his direction, the coveted Business Analytics Consulting Practice at IBM flourished, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the industry. His collaborative approach and visionary outlook were integral to maintaining IBM’s prominence as an innovator in business analytics.
Before venturing into his impactful career at IBM, Craig was instrumental at PricewaterhouseCoopers, serving as a Principal Consultant in Business Intelligence. His tenure at Pricewaterhouse, another top consulting firm, also saw him provide expert insights and strategic guidance that significantly boosted the firm’s consulting capabilities. Craig’s years at these leading organizations equipped him with an invaluable blend of analytical prowess and leadership that he continuously brings to the table at iOLAP.
Education and Achievements
Craig M. Rich is not only a professional with extensive experience in data and analytics but also a well-educated individual who has robust academic credentials. He earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from The University of Texas at Arlington, where he laid the foundation for his analytical skills and business acumen. Additionally, Craig furthered his knowledge at the University of Oklahoma, broadening his understanding of key business concepts and methodologies.
Throughout his career, Craig has consistently sought to advance his knowledge-base, reflecting his belief in lifelong learning and his commitment to staying ahead in an ever-evolving technological landscape. This meticulous attention to personal and professional development has allowed him to remain at the forefront of emerging technologies, especially in business analytics and data-driven decision-making.
Craig is widely recognized in the analytics community for his tireless efforts to push the envelope in terms of what is possible with data. His leadership philosophy revolves around collaboration, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, attributes he instills in his teams at iOLAP to cultivate success and foster growth.
Notable Achievements
Among Craig's most notable achievements, his tenure at iOLAP stands out, where he has not only led the firm’s Business Analytics and Innovation sectors but has also been pivotal in launching various initiatives that leverage Big Data technologies. His forward-thinking strategies have guided countless clients in optimizing their data utilization, providing them with the insights necessary for nimble and informed decision-making.
At IBM, Craig played a crucial role in transforming the company’s analytics capabilities, having led the North America SAP Service Area’s Business Analytics Consulting Practice. His strategic foresight spearheaded multiple projects that introduced groundbreaking analytics solutions to the market, reaffirming IBM’s standing as a trailblazer in business intelligence. Craig’s efforts contributed directly to numerous successful client transformations that enhanced operational efficiencies and drove substantial business growth.
His foundational years at PricewaterhouseCoopers also laid the groundwork for his future successes, as he was part of several high-profile consulting assignments that dealt with sophisticated data architectures and analytics initiatives. Craig's mix of strategic insight and hands-on knowledge continues to inspire a new generation of data professionals, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the business analytics space.
