Curriculum Vitae
Thorn Thaler
Head of Analytics
A highly motivated and adaptable Head of Analytics with a strong passion for technology and AI, combining deep technical expertise with proven leadership of cross-functional and distributed teams. Recognized for driving innovation and technical transformation while empowering teams to grow and perform at their best. A creative thinker and compelling storyteller and presenter, able to translate complex data into impactful narratives that support strategic decision-making and unlock the full potential of data.
Work Experience
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2025-06 - present
Head of Analytics (Crif)
Lead cross-location analytics teams across Hamburg and Vienna (7+2 data scientists across different seniority levels); Manage and develop junior, associate, and senior data scientists; Drive AI development leveraging Copilot and agent-based workflows to enhance productivity and daily operations; Lead major technical transformation including introducing and driving adoption of the Databricks platform
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2020-01 - 2025-05
Senior Data Scientist (Crif)
Developed scorecards using various machine learning algorithms including commercially successful classification models; Coached and developed peers within the analytics team; Led the implementation of a Business Intelligence strategy replacing static reporting with automated workflows and dashboard-based communication
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2018-01 - 2019-12
Lead Connected Kitchen for Ambient Food (Nestlé PTC Singen)
Scouted and evaluated connected kitchen devices and technologies; Defined the connected kitchen strategy for ambient food; Assessed machine learning potential for new business models
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2014-01 - 2017-12
Lead Product Improvement Modelling (Nestlé PTC Singen)
Led the global roll-out of a consumer-centric, data-driven approach to translate consumer preferences into product characteristics; Developed the next generation of the methodology, incorporating communication effects; Coordinated and coached international teams across Singapore, Shanghai and India
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2014-01 - 2019-12
Senior Data Scientist (Nestlé PTC Singen)
Developed advanced statistical models and methods for R&D applications; Took on increasing coordination and coaching responsibilities in cross-functional projects
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2010-04 - 2013-12
Data Scientist (Nestlé Research Lausanne)
Built foundation in predictive modeling, multivariate analysis, and Design of Experiments; Took on first cross-functional leadership responsibilities, facilitating problem-solving workshops; Completed Six Sigma Green Belt, strengthening structured problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset
Education
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2008 - 2009
Master's Programme Technical Mathematics (Technische Universität Graz)
Major field of study: Operations Research and Statistics; Master's thesis: The Extended-Quasi-Likelihood-Function in Generalized Linear Models; Degree Summa Cum Laude
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2006 - 2007
ERASMUS (Helsinki University of Technology)
Exchange student; Research assistant at the Laboratory for Theoretical Computer Science
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1999 - 2008
Bachelor's Degree Technical Mathematics (Technische Universität Graz)
Bachelor's thesis: Analysis of Particular Matter in Graz Using Mixed Probability Models; Bachelor's thesis: Categorical Data Analysis
Technical Stack
Programming
- R · Python · SQL · Scripting · JavaScript · VBA
AI & Platforms
- Generative AI · LLMs · Copilot Agents · Databricks Platform · AI-driven Solutions
Statistics
- Generalized Linear Models · Logistic Regression · Random Forests · Multivariate Statistics · Design of Experiments · Clustering
Libraries
- tidymodels · xgboost · ranger · shiny · plotly · tidyverse · data.table · crosstalk · ggplot2 · rmarkdown · R6 · testthat
Professional Profile
Soft Skills
- Strong Communicator · Storyteller · Lifelong Learner · Outside-the-box Thinker
Languages
- DE (Native) · GB (Fluent) · FR (Advanced)
Recognition & Development
Awards
- Lean Award 2016 · Best Master's Thesis 2009
Trainings
- Train the Trainer · Everyday Coaching · Six Sigma Green Belt
Interests