Sol Rashidi

Sol Rashidi is an accomplished technology executive with over 25 years of experience in the tech and data space. As a pioneer in AI, she became the first-ever 'Chief Data & AI Officer' for an enterprise in 2016 and has since received numerous accolades, including being named one of the “Top 100 Thought Leaders in AI,” “Top 75 Innovators,” “Forbes AI Maverick & Visionary of the 21st Century,” and “50 Most Powerful Women in Tech.” She has also been recognized as “CDO of the Year” and “CAO of the Year,” among other honors.

Known for her unique blend of visionary thinking and pragmatic solutions, Sol balances what she calls "The Art of the Possible" with "The Art of the Practical." This approach allows her to drive cutting-edge innovation while ensuring that companies stay aligned with their mission. Her leadership is also underscored by her ability to simplify complex ideas and deliver clear, actionable strategies. Sol's expertise extends across technical disciplines and business acumen, which enables her to uncover new opportunities and maximize value for organizations.

Currently, Sol serves as the Head of Technology, North America for Amazon's Startup Division, which holds a 63% market share. Prior to Amazon, she held senior roles at major corporations such as Estee Lauder, Merck Pharmaceuticals, Sony Music, and Royal Caribbean, where she served as CAO, CDO, CDAO, and CDAIO. Notably, she was a key player in the launch of IBM's Watson, the world's first commercial and enterprise-grade AI application, in 2011.

With a deep understanding of both the AI and tech sectors, Sol has a remarkable ability to scale operations and amplify market impact by combining the latest technological advancements with sound business practices. She is a global keynote speaker and the best-selling author of Your AI Survival Guide: Scraped Knees, Bruised Elbows, and Lessons Learned from Real-World Deployments.

Sol's insights and leadership have made her a highly respected figure in the tech and AI industries.