Technology consultancy Thoughtworks appoints Shayan Mohanty as Chief Data and AI Officer

Thoughtworks has announced the appointment of Shayan Mohanty as Chief Data and AI Officer.

He brings experience in AI research, data engineering and startup leadership.

As Head of AI Research at Thoughtworks, he has led initiatives to bridge the gap between AI development and production. Prior to joining the company, he was the CEO and co-founder of Watchful, a San Francisco-based company that developed tools for automated data labeling. The technology has since been integrated into Thoughtworks’ offerings following acquisition in April 2024. 

His earlier career includes leading Facebook’s stream processing team, where he was responsible for processing all advertising metrics data across the platform’s products. He also served as a guest scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory and has delivered talks on topics ranging from automata theory to machine teaching.

We’re excited to welcome @shayanjm as our new Chief Data and AI Officer. A seasoned AI leader from Watchful, Facebook & Los Alamos Lab, Shayan will also lead global Data & AI service line, helping clients turn AI ambition into production-ready solutions: https://t.co/SVkUjHEJwi pic.twitter.com/yEh84lqAp5

— Thoughtworks (@thoughtworks) June 17, 2025

"Shayan is one of the most dynamic leaders at the intersection of data engineering and AI innovation," says Mike Sutcliff, Chief Executive Officer, Thoughtworks. "His appointment marks an important step in scaling our AI capabilities globally and accelerating our clients' ability to move from experimentation to impactful, production grade AI." 

“I’m honorued to take on this role at such a critical moment for our clients and the industry,” says Mohanty. “From my startup days to our research today, I’ve seen how organisations struggle to operationalise AI. At Thoughtworks, we have the talent and reach to close that gap and I’m excited to help lead that charge.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.