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Head of Artificial Intelligence (Disruptive Innovation)
Christiaan van der Walt holds a PhD with specialisation in machine learning and has 19 years experience in the development of novel artificial intelligence and machine learning systems. He has established and led a number of machine learning and data science competencies in the financial services industry and work performed by him and his teams in artificial intelligence has been featured in Forbes and has been awarded with a number of international prizes and patents. Christiaan is currently the Head of Advanced Analytics at Momentum (a South African listed financial services group with a market capitalization of 1.5 Billion USD) where he is responsible for establishing and leading a data science competency to implement artificial intelligence and machine learning across all aspects of the business and to assist with disruptive innovation. Prior to Momentum, Christiaan was the Chief Data Scientist / Officer and CTO of the MyBucks group where he established the MyBucks AI Innovation Lab and lead the conceptualisation, architecture, prototype development, testing and deployment of machine learning products into production for the MyBucks group across 14 operating countries. The AI team consisted of 10 data scientists and software engineers. The MyBucks AI and innovation lab successfully developed core AI products for the MyBucks group, including automated credit scoring, automated fraud detection, prediction of client payment behaviour, question answering systems, automated bank statement analysis, prediction of loan uptake etc. Prior to MyBucks, Christiaan technically led numerous machine learning teams and projects within the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) that focused on the research and development of novel machine learning algorithms and the application of machine learning algorithms to solve real-world machine learning tasks. During th
North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Statistical Pattern Recognition, Machine Learning, Non-parametric Density Estimation
January 1, 2014 – Present
University of Pretoria
Master’s Degree, (Electronic Engineering)(Pattern Recognition, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence)
January 1, 2008 – Present
University of Pretoria
B. Eng (Hons), Electronic Engineering
N/A – Present
University of Pretoria
Bachelor's degree, Computer Engineering
N/A – Present
Momentum
Head of Advanced Analytics
June 1, 2019 – Present
MyBucks
Group CTO and Chief Data Officer
September 1, 2017 – April 1, 2019
Pretoria Area, South Africa
University of Pretoria
Postgraduate Supervisor (Department of Statistics)
January 1, 2015 – Present
University of Cape Town
External Examiner - Computational Intelligence (Department of Electrical Engineering)
January 1, 2015 – Present
SAIEE
Specialist Editor - Computer, Information Systems and Software Engineering
August 1, 2014 – Present
CSIR (Advanced Mathematical Modelling)
Lead Machine Learning Engineer | Artificial Intelligence Researcher
January 1, 2012 – September 1, 2017
Pretoria Area, South Africa
Cyest Corporation
Business Analyst
April 1, 2011 – December 1, 2011
Johannesburg Area, South Africa
Investec
Winter Intern
June 1, 2009 – June 1, 2009
IBM (T.J. Watson, New York)
Research Intern
June 1, 2008 – September 1, 2008
Greater New York City Area
CSIR
Researcher (Pattern recognition, Machine learning)
January 1, 2006 – May 1, 2011
Cultural Fit Analysis
The candidate's career trajectory shows a strong focus on advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI, primarily within the financial services sector and research institutions. Their experience in establishing new competencies and driving innovation aligns well with organizations seeking to leverage data for strategic advantage. The diversity of roles, from research to executive leadership, suggests adaptability and a broad understanding of the data lifecycle. The target role of 'Data Analyst' might be a step down from their leadership experience, but their deep technical foundation and strategic mindset could bring significant value to a senior analytical role, provided the scope allows for strategic input and complex problem-solving.
Soft Skills & Operational Fit
The candidate's experience in leading teams, engaging with diverse stakeholders across multiple business units, and communicating complex technical concepts to senior management indicates strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills. Their role in establishing data science communities and upskilling employees suggests a collaborative and mentorship-oriented operational fit. The descriptions highlight a focus on business value and impact, which is crucial for operational success.