Andrew Pitts is an accomplished Data and IT leader with 20 years years of experience in data & analytics, digital and business transformation, business applications, and strategic technology management. Currently serving as the Director of IT - Data & Analytics at Rogers Corporation, Andrew has built a number of new capabilities for the organization and implemtend an enterprise-wide data strategy that has shown measurable business value.

Previously, as Director of IT at Ovintiv Inc. (formerly Encana), Andrew was a key member of the IT Leadership Team, where he led a variety of IT areas including the Data & Analytics function. He achieved significant efficiency improvements through innovative staffing models and service rationalization while managing multi-million dollar budgets and adding considerable business value.

With a deep understanding of the technical aspects of Data and IT and the ways to add business value in those realms, Andrew excels at cultivating relationships with senior business leaders and aligning data and technology driven initiatives with key business objectives. His experience in managing large-scale projects demonstrates his ability to deliver results in complex, dynamic environments.

When I reflect on my professional journey that led me to my current role at Rogers Corporation, I can see a clear path shaped by diverse experiences across various IT roles. From the start, my focus has always been on the business aspect of technology. While it was crucial to master the technical side, understanding how these technologies could drive business outcomes was what really excited me. This mindset naturally transitioned me into the Data & Analytics (D&A) space, where the emphasis on achieving tangible business results made my move into this field smoother. In every role, I've kept my eyes on how IT could serve the bigger picture, whether by optimizing processes, enhancing customer experiences, or driving innovation.

Significant Evolutions in Data Analytics

Over the years, I’ve witnessed many advancements in technology, especially in the data analytics space. We are currently in a fascinating evolutionary period, characterized by the ever-increasing volume of data at our disposal. However, more data doesn’t necessarily mean better insights. The challenge is to sift through this data overload to find what truly matters.

“The focus will be on finding how generative AI models can be integrated into our workflows to create substantial business value, rather than getting lost in the allure of the technology itself.”

AI, particularly generative AI, is at the forefront of everyone's minds right now. While there may be a plateau in technical advancements soon, the real race is in discovering high-value business use cases that align with these emerging technologies. The focus will be on finding how generative AI models can be integrated into our workflows to create substantial business value, rather than getting lost in the allure of the technology itself.

Challenges in the Data Analytics Industry

Looking ahead, I see one of the biggest challenges in the data analytics industry as maintaining a strong focus on the fundamentals, like data quality and governance. It’s easy to get distracted by the latest trends or technologies, but without a solid foundation, these new tools won’t deliver sustainable value. The real test will be to stay engaged in the essential “blocking and tackling” of data management, even as new and exciting possibilities emerge. At Rogers Corporation, we're concentrating on building frameworks that ensure enduring business value, rather than quick wins that might fizzle out.

Our Technology Stack at Rogers Corporation

At Rogers Corporation, we rely on a fairly standard Azure technology stack. This choice was deliberate, offering us flexibility and a range of technologies within the Azure ecosystem, backed by the strong partnership and ongoing investments from Microsoft. The goal was to select a technology stack that could evolve with us, providing stability while also allowing us to explore new tools and frameworks as they become available. This balance ensures that we’re not only meeting today’s needs but also preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.

Advice for Professionals in Data Analytics

For professionals looking to adopt emerging technologies in data analytics, my advice is simple: always start with a clear understanding of the business outcome you’re aiming to achieve. Without this clarity, you risk getting lost in the technology for technology's sake, which can lead to wasted resources and missed opportunities. Emerging technologies offer incredible potential, but they should be seen as a means to an end, not the end itself. Stay focused on how these tools can drive real, measurable business outcomes, and be wary of the allure of the latest shiny object that may not have a direct path to value.

My journey in the IT and D&A space has been about balancing the technical with the practical, the exciting with the essential. At Rogers Corporation, we continue to navigate this balance, ensuring that our technology choices and data strategies are always aligned with our overarching business goals.