As Head of Data Science at Newcastle, John leads the development of models and software that underpin deal sourcing, diligence, and value creation at our companies. ​​He’s passionate about building internal tools that leverage AI to improve productivity, and he thinks a lot about how proprietary applications can help us move faster than our competitors. 

Before joining Newcastle, John spent a decade working as a data scientist, analytics manager, and technologist. The throughline of his career is extracting insights from data to improve decision-making. 

Prior to getting his MBA from Harvard, John worked as an applied mathematician and software engineer at Draper Laboratory, where he built predictive models for NASA, the Defense Department, and IARPA.

What’s your “why”?

I love the end-to-end process of turning raw data into “aha” moments for business leaders because it marries my deep technical knowledge with high-level business strategy. It is very satisfying to uncover an insight that leads to a change that positively impacts a business’s performance.

If you could instantly become an expert in anything, which would you choose and why?

I would become an expert painter because I've always been in awe of people with artistic vision and the skill to manifest it on a canvas.

What was your childhood career dream and how different is it from what you’re doing now?

I wanted to be an archaeologist after watching Indiana Jones. Instead of digging through sediment layers searching for bones, I now comb through data looking for metaphorical bodies.

What's the most out-of-character item in your Spotify playlist?

"Third Rock from the Sun" by Joe Diffie. I can't stand country music, but make an exception for this song.