Rob Thomas

Rob Thomas is the general manager of IBM Data and Artificial Intelligence. He directs IBM’s product investment strategy, sales and marketing, expert labs, and global software product development. With a portfolio of over 1,000 products, IBM has emerged as a leader in data and AI, spanning databases, data integration and governance, business intelligence, planning, data science and AI tools, and AI applications.

Since joining IBM’s software unit, Rob has held roles of increasing responsibility, including business development, product engineering, sales and marketing, and general management. He’s overseen four acquisitions by the firm representing over $2.5 billion in transaction value. At IBM, he’s worked in technology and strategy consulting, founded IBM’s practice to advise companies moving onto the internet, and focused on data and analytics which led to IBM’s transition from core databases to broader analytical capabilities and eventually artificial intelligence.

Thomas' first book entitled "Big Data Revolution" (2015), served as a guide to improving performance and transforming business through the effective use of Big Data. His second book, "The End of Tech Companies" educated business leaders on how to navigate digital disruption in every industry.

He writes extensively on his blog, and serves on the board of Domus (Stamford, CT), which assists underprivileged children in Fairfield county. He earned his BA in economics at Vanderbilt University, earning his BA in economics, and during his MBA from the University of Florida, he worked in equity research, learning applied economics, finance, and financial analysis.