John Thomas is the Chief Data Officer at Benefitfocus, responsible for leading the company’s data strategy. John has more than a decade of data experience in mobile analytics, customer journey optimization, social media and online advertising. Prior to joining Benefitfocus, he served as executive vice president of data science at Red Ventures where he launched their data science team and oversaw a dramatic, machine-learning initiative that powered transformation of their digital marketing funnel. Prior to his position at Red Ventures, John held leadership roles at Zettics, Lotame Solutions and Crimson Hexagon. He is the current president of the Analytics & Big Data Society, an advisory board member for Wake Forest University’s Masters of Business Analytics, and in 2019 was recognized as one of Charlotte’s 40 Under 40 professionals. He holds both a Ph.D. and a master’s degree in computer science from Dartmouth College.