Nornickel, a significant mining and metals company with over 70,000 employees, leads the globe in producing nickel, platinum, palladium and copper. The business substantially invests in innovation and digital transformation and is strongly committed to sustainable development. The company uses cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and blockchain to improve operations and boost its competitiveness over time.

Anton, the company's Head of AI & Data Science, shared some specific examples of these initiatives, such as launching its Digital Lab in 2019 and opening its Innovation Centre in Moscow in 2020. He also highlighted the significant benefits that Nornickel has seen from these initiatives, such as improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, and increased safety.

A Leader with a Saga of Innovation

Anton is the Head of AI & Data Science at Nornickel, driving innovation and digital transformation. His leadership has led to significant financial impacts, with AI initiatives contributing over £80 million annually to EBITDA. He manages a diverse global team of 40+ data professionals, establishes external partnerships, and oversees the company's AI strategy. Through his leadership, Nornickel successfully integrates AI solutions, solidifying its global metals and mining leader position.

Crafting Castles on Challenges

Anton has more than a year of consulting experience with McKinsey. He led a data engineering team of 15+ people from inception, managing terabytes of data daily within public services. He also initiated and grew a start-up-inspired data science team to over 40 members within a conservative corporate setting driven by corporate entrepreneurship principles.

Coalescence of Aspirations and Actions

Throughout his professional life, Anton overcame several obstacles. The first was securing a job, which was difficult due to the common requirement for prior experience. He overcame this by undertaking personal projects and volunteering to cultivate relevant expertise. The second was clarifying his career path, which required careful consideration and self-reflection, ensuring alignment between his aspirations and actions. The third was finding a mentor who could provide valuable guidance and direction toward his career objectives.

Data-Driven Initiatives

Anton believes that data science leaders must have the following skills: adaptability, value translation, stakeholder communication, complete support, and a collaborative attitude. He thinks that flexibility in managing the constantly shifting data science landscape is crucial for staying relevant in a changing environment. He also believes that the capacity to translate complex numerical data and mathematical operations into actual economic value is essential, as it bridges the knowledge gap between technical understanding and actual results. He emphasises the importance of properly communicating the benefits of data-driven initiatives to all relevant stakeholders to promote alignment and buy-in. Additionally, he supports managing projects from genesis to continuous maintenance and improvement, providing total assistance for AI solutions throughout every stage of their lifespan. Finally, he values a strong sense of teamwork to produce meaningful outcomes while utilising various information in data science.

Data Intelligence for Smarter World

Four components comprise Anton's comprehensive innovation approach: external insights, internal understanding, iterative development, and feedback integration. He engages in extensive external research, fostering cross-industry partnerships and exchanging experiences. This broader perspective allows him to gain insights from diverse sectors and integrate them into his offerings. He delves into his target audience's specific needs and aspirations by conducting internal research. This helps him align his innovation efforts with their expectations and requirements. He adopts an iterative development process, experimenting and conducting A/B tests. This approach ensures that his solutions evolve based on real-world feedback and performance indicators. He emphasises an active feedback loop with the users of his solutions. This involves soliciting and incorporating their insights at various stages, enabling him to refine his products and solutions to better cater to their preferences and needs.

Adapt than Replace

Anton recognises that disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Big Data, and Cloud Computing are profoundly reshaping the landscape of innovation in the present day. He believes it's crucial to strategically assess the value they can provide in the short, mid, and long terms. He observes that one of the most prominent benefits of AI in industrial settings is its ability to mitigate the human factor in various interpretations while still collaborating with human expertise rather than replacing it. He considers that data forms the foundation of all decision-making processes. He acknowledges that the surge in available data necessitates an increased frequency of data-based decision-making. As a leader, he prioritises data usage skillfully. He discerns between data that won't be utilised, data earmarked for AI models or other automation-based decisions, and data that he, as a leader, will personally use to inform his decisions. He emphasises the need for strategic thinking and efficient data management in the context of disruptive technologies.

Shining Light of Encouragement

According to Anton, the industry will witness a rise in the penetration and application of AI technologies. He focuses on accumulating and commercialising intellectual property to drive global innovation. He states that AI will not replace humans but rather transform and assist in managing job duties, fostering a symbiotic relationship between technology and human expertise.

Guiding Pointers

Anton advises developers always to strive to see the bigger picture and how their developments can influence the business. He encourages them to stay connected with new technologies and their customised industry news. He also embraces the implementation of novel ideas and solutions. He believes that flexibility is crucial for both the present and future. He emphasises that networking and experience exchange are essential to career success.