NEWS25 August 2021

Paul Ballew to lead data at NFL

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US – The National Football League (NFL) has appointed former Ford executive Paul Ballew as chief data and analytics officer, with immediate effect.

Paul Ballew

At the NFL, Ballew (pictured) will oversee data and analytics operations, with the aim of ensuring that the NFL’s data capture capabilities are used to improve overall fan experiences.

He will report to Christopher Halpin, executive vice-president, chief strategy and growth officer, NFL.

Ballew joins the league from Loblaw Companies, where he was chief data and analytics officer, responsible for establishing the company’s data and analytics functions, data management operations, analytics, data science and AI/machine learning.

Prior to Loblaw Companies, he oversaw data and analytics at Ford from 2015 to 2019, leading a team responsible for global data operations, research and analytics.

Halpin said: "Rich data sets, advanced analytics and data science present transformational opportunities for the league and clubs to better serve our fans, improve our operations, and grow new markets. Paul is the ideal leader to build on our existing platform and realise those opportunities."