By: Lesley Browne

Too many enterprises are drowning in data but starving for insight. Having tons of data means nothing if it doesn’t lead to action. It’s not enough to just have information—companies need to know what to do with it.

Devang Joshi,  a specialist in analytics, AI, and data management, is one of the very few who know how to translate raw information into strategic insights: “We're now focused on finding real-world ways to get the most out of AI, making sure it we maximize value and that it translates into tangible business outcomes,” he reveals.

“There is no doubt this is a high-stakes industry. Every decision can mean millions gained or lost. That is why I know that the utmost attention must be paid to the smallest of details.”

It is this attitude that makes Joshi one of the most sought-after data management specialists in his field. He helps Fortune 50 companies transform data, their most valuable asset, into a competitive edge. And it is this method of implementation that has made a significant impact in the field.

As a Senior Consultant at Ernst & Young in Chicago, Devang replaces traditional approaches with AI-powered strategies to turn information into business intelligence. Whether it’s saving millions through more innovative governance or guiding executive decisions with real-time insights, Devang’s work has had a significant impact in his field and is quietly revolutionizing how top companies compete: “My passion is to help companies stay ahead in this fast-changing world,” says Joshi.

“I’ve seen how data, when applied with purpose, can streamline operations, prevent disruptions, and even change company culture. That’s what drives me every day.”

With over five years of experience helping Fortune 50 companies treat data as a strategic asset, Joshi has built a reputation for making the complex simple.

Those who have worked with him agree with that sentiment. According to Neloy Bannerjee, a former Senior Manager at Ernst & Young says: "Devang has a remarkable ability to demystify complex analytics challenges and turn them into actionable business insights."

He adds: “In my experience, his strategic thinking and meticulous approach to data governance enabled him to resolve even the most complex data issues quickly and successfully. He also pushed for reforms like Rheem's unified data catalog, which serves as our governance foundation today, while making sure that everything was perfectly in line with business objectives.''

Joshi has led multi-million-dollar digital transformations, launched data governance programs, and developed tools to enhance the accuracy of over 1,200 business-critical data points, all of which have had a wider impact on the industry: “I thrive in my advisory role, where I connect technical data insights with real-world impact,” he says.

“Whether I’m walking through a factory floor or sitting across from executives, my goal is to make sure data actually drives business value.”

That practical approach started early in his career. At Draup, he worked with a large Middle Eastern conglomerate looking to uncover new sources of revenue: “They had over 10 million rows of data sitting in their systems, but no clear way to use it,” he recalls.

Devang analyzed the data using Python and created interactive dashboards in Tableau, which exposed inefficiencies and highlighted untapped market opportunities. His insights helped the company rethink its operations and expand into new regions. And it was his analyzation technique which has changed practices globally.

Joshi’s technical toolkit, which includes PySpark, PowerBI, Databricks, and Tableau, is impressive, but it’s only part of the equation. But what really makes him stand out is how he bridges the gap between business goals and data-driven solutions.

From building Data & Analytics Centers of Excellence to streamlining dashboards and even leading executive workshops that uncover six-figure opportunities, Devang knows how to bring together the right people, processes, and platforms to drive meaningful results.

The Making of a Data Strategist: Joshi’s Global Journey

Before leading multimillion-dollar digital transformations for Fortune 50 companies, Joshi was a curious engineering student in Manipal, India, drawn to the rise of Satya Nadella and the growing potential of artificial intelligence: “His journey motivated me to explore similar academic paths, that is, blending technical engineering with business-related subjects,” Devang recalls.

That inspiration led him to Manipal Institute of Technology, where he studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering. He later earned a Master’s in Business Analytics from the University of Cincinnati, where he honed his skills in SQL, statistical modeling, and data visualization.

He then moved to support investment and strategy teams in India and the Middle East, blending analytics and business strategy to drive effective decision-making. At Draup, he worked on Python-based market intelligence tools and helped identify new revenue streams from ERP data.

But Joshi’s path has been anything but linear. Rooted in technical mastery and shaped by real-world experience across India, Indonesia, Dubai, and the United States, his career is driven by one central idea: making data not just functional, but transformational: “I thrive in my advisory role, where I connect technical data insights with real-world impact,” he shares.

“It’s gratifying to take raw data, harness it with tools like AI and analytics, and transform it into solutions that drive efficiency and solve pressing business challenges. I love seeing how data-driven strategies create measurable outcomes—saving millions, improving processes, and ultimately making a difference in how organizations and their people operate.”

Joshi brings a rare blend of strategic vision, hands-on data expertise, and global business acumen. His journey, from inspired student to enterprise strategist, is proof of the transformative power of data when paired with purpose and precision.

Bridging the Gap Between Data and Business

Now at Ernst & Young in Chicago, Joshi is part of an elite four-person AI strategy team that advises some of the world’s largest enterprises on how to unlock value from their data ecosystems: “I love shaping the firm’s AI advisory services. Being in an emerging field allows me to contribute to best practices and institutional knowledge, which is a unique opportunity, ” he shares.

“It’s a rare opportunity to contribute to the creation of best practices and institutional knowledge that will shape the future of consulting. I’m passionate about crafting strategies that ensure our clients’ data is not just managed, but optimized to drive efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage.”

That vision came into sharp focus during a high-stakes engagement with a leading U.S. HVAC manufacturer. Faced with messy and inconsistent shipping data that threatened millions of dollars in penalties, this data management and AI expert led a sweeping data governance initiative.

He assembled and managed a 20-person analyst team, defining stewardship roles and reconciling mission-critical product data: “We leaned heavily on PySpark, Pandas, and Databricks to make sense of the data,” he explains. “With that, we helped rebuild trust in the numbers.” The initiative helped the company avoid nearly $800,000 in potential fines, proving the tangible business value of a smart data strategy.

But Joshi’s contributions went far beyond cleaning up spreadsheets. Take, for instance, his work with a leading U.S. HVAC manufacturer, and specific example of how he implements his skills to great effect: “At first, factory managers were more focused on hitting production targets than ensuring data accuracy,” he recalls.

To bridge that gap, he led workshops and training sessions, emphasizing that digital tools weren’t there to replace them:  “So, I ran workshops and training sessions to show them that digital tools weren’t here to replace their work, but to make it even better,” he says.  That shift in mindset led to a data governance initiative that saved the company nearly $800,000.”

For the same manufacturer, this sought-after data management expert also spearheaded the development of its first-ever enterprise data catalog, collaborating with business units to define source-to-target mappings and codify business rules across departments: “We coordinated with business units to create business rules and source-to-target mappings,” Devang shares.

This resulted in a data foundation that became the backbone of a $5 million digital transformation program and enabled AI-driven decision-making at scale, which is now replicated in other companies. It showcases how his work has changed the face of the field.

What sets Joshi apart is his ability to bridge technical depth with executive-level strategy: “I really enjoy being in this place where I get the best of both worlds,” he says, referring to his dual role as both coder and consultant.

“When we deploy AI to make things more efficient, it impacts real lives and makes them better.”

His work also reaches beyond algorithms and code, it also reshapes culture. In industries traditionally slow to adopt digital tools, like manufacturing, Joshi meets resistance head-on. He develops video-based training, leads hands-on workshops, and patiently drives change from within: “Seeing the culture evolve and companies adapt is very satisfying,” he shares.

“When a traditional manufacturer starts to embrace digital tools, it’s a game-changer, unlocking efficiencies and positioning them to compete in a modern, global market. I’m passionate about guiding that journey, from initial resistance to full adoption, because it’s where technical innovation meets human impact.”

Through strategy, code, and culture-building, this highly-regarded data management specialist continues to help industry leaders adopt data solutions as well as build futures with them.

Shaping the Future of AI Strategy at a Global Scale

For Joshi, helping companies succeed doesn’t end with deploying algorithms. His real goal is to design agile, future-ready organizations from the ground up.

As a core member of Ernst & Young’s elite AI strategy team, Joshi works at the intersection of data, business, and innovation, helping Fortune 50 companies navigate the complexity of digital transformation. “I’m laser-focused on how we can generate value and drive efficiency,” he says.

“That principle is the cornerstone of every project I lead. I am proud to help clients unlock efficiencies, reduce costs, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global market. It’s about creating a ripple effect—where data-driven decisions empower better processes, stronger outcomes, and transformative growth.”

That mindset came to life in one of his most challenging—and rewarding—projects, which involved helping a Fortune 50 pharmaceutical giant spin off a brand-new consumer goods company. With only one person leading the data team, Joshi was brought in to build a modern data and AI organization from scratch: “It was a blank slate,” he recalls. “I had to define job roles, identify long-term capabilities, and align the company with digital-first strategies. It was daunting, but deeply rewarding.”

Prithviraj Nag, who directly manages Joshi at Ernst & Young, reveals his colleagues technical strengths in AI: “Devang exhibits an extraordinary technical talent, particularly in Artificial Intelligence. From his initial time on our team, he demonstrated a remarkable talent for quickly grasping intricate details and becoming proficient with new technologies, as evident in his rapid preparation to facilitate vital client sessions.

Nag adds: “He regularly produces top-tier work, displaying superior technical skills across various topics. His efforts in expanding priority services, including the AI Value Accelerator and Responsible AI, involved crafting detailed materials and providing essential assistance for complex AI scenarios. Devang's sharp analytical thinking and innovative ideas are exceptional; I often turn to him to compile data and craft solid viewpoints that he can clearly express and support."

That start-from-scratch mindset has become a hallmark of Joshi’s approach. Whether he’s building AI-powered governance systems, training senior executives, or mentoring analytics teams, his goal stays the same, which is to help organizations become truly AI-ready.

Ricky Rivera, who managed Joshi as a senior consultant during their four-month collaboration on a challenging client engagement, praises his ability to come up with unique solutions, fast, saying: “From the outset, Devang entered a difficult project with a disengaged client and swiftly unified the team around a shared vision. He possesses an uncommon ability to simplify intricate workflows into accessible language and procedures that everyone can grasp. His composed and patient style of interaction eased conflicts, fostered confidence, and maintained momentum, even in high-stress situations."

Rivera also highlights Joshi's versatility in technical and strategic areas: "Devang is adept at delving into intricate data-governance issues while also formulating insightful business strategies. In our initiative, he navigated unclear specifications, forged agreement on data protocols, and produced outcomes that yielded concrete successes. His meticulous analysis and commitment to excellence ensured that all outputs—from overarching plans to precise integration details—surpassed what was anticipated."

However, aside from being a good strategist, Joshi is also hands-on with the tech. This AI and data management expert automates dashboards, organizes data catalogs, and improves the accuracy of over 1,200 data points.

Joshi’s edge also comes from his global experience. From Jakarta to Dubai to Chicago, he’s developed digital solutions that adapt to local needs while scaling globally: “The core problems are often the same wherever you go,” Devang says.

“But to solve them well, you have to understand the local context and lead with empathy.

That focus on people is central to his work. He’s often brought in to help industry giants who, despite their success, are weighed down by outdated systems and inflexible processes: “Legacy structures can hold companies back. My goal is to make sure that they don’t fall behind,” he shares.

Cory Whited oversees Joshi at Ernst & Young and has directly observed his contributions: “Devang has repeatedly exhibited outstanding organizational abilities, initiative, and strong communication skills in his positions at EY. His talent for overseeing relationships with GDS team members, senior EY leaders, and client stakeholders is highly praiseworthy."

He continues: “Devang's visionary strategic leadership is apparent in the creation of various essential frameworks and tools that have greatly influenced our clients. Key achievements include the Data Lifecycle Framework, Data Catalog Updates, DG Policies Database, Recruitment Framework, and the creation of a Data Governance Hub. These superior outputs have not only produced tangible outcomes but have also established EY as a frontrunner in data governance.”

The New Frontier of AI and Data Management

Joshi says he is now focused on turning AI potential into a measurable impact. “We’ve built the foundations,” he explains. “Now it’s about finding the right use cases that bring real business value—not just hype.”

At the core of his philosophy is adaptability. Instead of building rigid, long-term systems, he champions modular, agile solutions that can evolve alongside technology: “Planning for 20 years out doesn’t make sense anymore,” he says. “But building systems that can adapt—those are the ones that last.”

And when asked what legacy he hopes to leave, Joshi doesn’t talk about titles or accolades. “I want to be remembered as someone who made work easier,” he says, “for clients, for colleagues, and for the industries I serve. That’s what drives me.”