Navigating 20 Years of Transformation in Data and Analytics

Artak Amirbekyan, former Head of Data and AI at Transurban Group recounts their journey from studying in Germany to moving to Australia for a PhD in data mining, with a focus on privacy-preserving techniques. At the time, job opportunities in this area were limited in Australia, especially compared to the US. Artak began their career in academia, working in data and analytics, and later transitioned into industry as the market evolved and demand for data expertise grew.

Over the past two decades, the data landscape has changed dramatically. Early in Artak’s career, there was limited understanding or appreciation for concepts like data mining and privacy, with some executives even dismissing the need for digital data protection. Today, data and AI are central to business and governance conversations, with roles like Chief Data Officer and Chief AI Officer becoming more common. This evolution reflects a broader societal shift toward recognising the…