Speaker Profile

Russell Walker helps companies develop strategies to manage risk and harness value through analytics. He is Clinical Associate Professor of Managerial Economics and Decision Sciences at the Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University. Professor Walker founded and teaches the Analytical Consulting Lab, Risk Lab, Global Lab, and Digital Lab, all very popular experiential learning classes at the Kellogg School of Management, which bring MBA students together with corporate opportunities focused on data and strategy. Through these classes he has led many studies with leading sports franchise in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and NCAA, and numerous sports management firms. His work has examined the role of digital platforms in the sports and media industry and the use of analytics in the improved management and operation of sports enterprises. He was awarded the Kellogg Impact award by Kellogg MBA students for excellence and impact in teaching. His most recent book, From Big Data to Big Profits: Success with Data and Analytics is published by Oxford University Press (2015), which explores how firms can best monetize Big Data and focuses on the strategic use of digital platforms. He is the author of the text Winning with Risk Management (World Scientific Publishing, 2013), which examines the principles and practice of risk management through business case studies. He has also authored many business cases through Harvard Business School Publishing, and his cases have been recognized for excellence in teaching by Harvard Business School Publishing, the Aspen Institute, and the Bank of England. He serves on the Scientific and Technical Council for the Menus of Change, an initiative led by the Harvard School of Public Health and the Culinary Institute of America, to develop healthier and more environmentally friendly food choices. He is a former member of the board of the Education and Technology Committee to the Morton Arboretum. He was a board member of the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where he developed support programs for Hispanic entrepreneurs and worked with US senators on US Latino matters. He received his Ph. D. from Cornell University. He also holds an MS from Cornell University, an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and a BS from the University of South Florida. He lives in Highland Park, Illinois with his wife and family. He enjoys travel, photography, trees, and horticulture. He can be reached at: russellwalkerphd. com and @RussWalker1492