Transformation of an organization through a data-driven strategy calls for more than technical know-how—it calls for a visionary leader. A seasoned executive is reinventing how companies generate value through technology. “The big ears and eyes represent the ability to understand and sense business needs and opportunities,” he says of his “Mickey Mouse operating model,” the leadership philosophy driven by clarity, action, and attitude. Neil Bhandar is the vice president of IT, Enterprise Data, Analytics, and Innovation for Generac Power Systems. He is innovative in his career, having worked with global corporations, startups, and academia, through which he provided impactful solutions using cutting-edge strategies and governance.
Neil emphasizes three key traits that define successful leadership: the ability to deeply understand challenges, the willingness to take hands-on action, and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. “The big hands and feet show that leaders have to be hands-on at times, making and delivering value. And the big smile indicates the attitude to succeed,” he shares.
Success Across Diverse Industries
Neil Bhandar is a man of many successes; one of the most important skills is to excel in various industries. He set up Bristol-Myers Squibb’s leading analytics and modeling center, which added $700 million of value over five years. Not only did it make the company work better, but it also made its employees happier by the survey scores. At JPMorgan Chase, Neil managed many critical programs. One of the most critical was a model that understood customer behavior and generated $100 million in profit in its first year. He enhanced and leveraged existing branch camera systems in ways that helped customers and created programs to monitor behavior, making JPMorgan Chase a leader in multiple channels. “It’s about combining insights with actionable strategies to create measurable value,” he emphasizes.
Neil leveraged his experience in the consumer goods industry from Campbell Soup and Procter & Gamble. He helped the company grow by improving marketing strategies, forecasting methods, and making trade spending more efficient. His work at Campbell Soup resulted in a 2% yearly value increase on a $300 million budget for advertising and promotions.
Driving Growth with Data and AI
Throughout his career, data governance and the use of AI have been central to Neil’s approach to driving growth. At Generac Power Systems, he has applied predictive modeling and advanced analytics to transform the lead generation process and improve the accuracy of business forecasting. His work ensures high-quality, accessible data while adhering to strict privacy regulations. With extensive experience balancing edge and core computing investments, Neil has demonstrated a remarkable ability to align technology with business objectives. This expertise has been instrumental in uniting Generac’s diverse brands, such as Ecobee and PWRcell, under a cohesive plan for digital transformation. “AI allows us to do more with less, enabling us to focus on the human elements of decision-making while letting technology handle the complexity,” he explains.
Forward-thinking ideas have always been a hallmark of his leadership. During his tenure at JPMorgan Chase, he guided top executives on leveraging AI and managing risks to ensure emerging technologies’ safe and effective use. His ability to connect innovative solutions with regulatory frameworks has consistently led to long-term success and inspired confidence in his leadership.
Inspiring Leaders and Startups
Apart from his success in his business ventures, Neil shares his knowledge by passing it on in schools and with investors. He is a part-time instructor at Temple University’s Fox School of Business, where he teaches a graduate course on data and analytics to help MBA students succeed in this fast-changing business world. He mentors startups as an advisor to Sempervirens Venture Capital, guiding companies in developing their data skills and applying advanced analytics strategies. His efforts to assist future leaders and new businesses indicate his intent to make a difference.
To learn more about Neil Bhandar’s leadership journey and accomplishments, visit his LinkedIn profile.
