Hi, I'm Simon Oster
Global Direcor Data Science & AI
My Story
One of my favorite quotes by Galileo Galilei is: “Measure what is measurable, and make measurable what is not so.” Technology and AI often help me turn complex problems into something understandable and actionable.
Today, I lead global Data Science, AI, and GenAI initiatives at Arcadis, where we've built an enterprise AI platform serving 38,000+ employees across the world. We process 345,000 AI events daily, handle 680,000 prompts per month, and grew from 0 to 750 AI assistants in just one year. But the numbers I'm most proud of? Our AI community scaling from 1,500 to 3,000 members—real people solving real problems.
Beyond Arcadis, I serve as an Expert Advisor for AlphaSights, where I help organizations navigate their AI transformation journeys. I also speak at international conferences like AI in AEC, DCW, FIDIC, and CIO Platform Netherlands, sharing what I've learned about applied AI, platform architecture, and—most importantly—how to drive adoption at scale.
My mission is simple: accelerate a Positive Future through intelligent, impactful technology. Moving beyond the current AI buzz by building reliable platforms and empowering people to use them.
Experience
Global Director Data Science & AI
Leading AI and Data Science initatives, managing and overseeing teams spanning enablement, governance, data science, full-stack, and software engineering. Driving enterprise AI adoption through global strategy and citizen development initiatives.
Global Data Science Manager
Led a product-oriented Data Science and AI team focused on global challenges like climate change and urbanization. Managed technical consultants of the Citizen Development Program to empower employees in technology adoption and skill-building.
Team Lead Supply Data
Led a team of 8 data-driven professionals, optimizing marketplace onboarding processes and building scalable, automated data pipelines. Focused on data quality, data-driven communication, and long-term business growth.
Data Analyst/Engineer
Developed API-driven automation workflows and real-time carrier cost calculations for 100+ carriers, improving marketplace efficiency. Contributed to recruitment and technical onboarding.
Transfer Pricing Analyst
Analyzed financial and tax data for multinational clients, contributing to reports and insights within a Big Four accounting environment.
Researcher PhD
Bergische Universität Wuppertal
Focused on tax competition and data analysis, using big data techniques to study profit maximization, tax planning, and location decisions within multinational enterprises.
Expertise & Capabilities
My work spans strategy, leadership, and hands-on technology—focused on building scalable, future-ready systems.
Strategy & Advisory
AI Strategy & Enablement
Technology & Platform Strategy
Stakeholder Alignment
Organizational Change & Transformation
Leadership & Influence
Executive & Team Leadership
Cross-functional Leadership
Community Building
Mentorship & Talent Development
Public Speaking & Thought Leadership
Panel Moderation
Conference & Industry Talks
Higher Education & Lecturing
Keynote Speaking
Technology & Architecture
AI & Machine Learning Systems
Large Language Models (LLMs)
Platform & Cloud Architecture
Azure Cloud Ecosystems
Data & Analytics Platforms