Leader’s Corner: Kshitij Kumar (The Hat Man)

Discover how Kshitij Kumar has become a leading force in technology. As Chief Data and AI Officer at The Data Hat, KK shares his entrepreneurial journey and insights on thriving in the fast-paced world of AI and data.

Kshitij Kumar, widely known as KK or ‘The Hat Man’ among peers, has made a significant impact as a technology leader, with a career that spans diverse roles and global experiences. As the Chief Data and AI Officer at The Data Hat, a consulting firm he founded, KK embodies the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. In this exclusive Leader’s Corner interview, KK offers valuable insights into what it takes to lead in today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Leader's Corner Insights with Kshitij Kumar:

• The entrepreneurial spirit
• A passion for technology
• Innovating with generative AI
• Advice for the next Kshitij Kumar

The entrepreneurial spirit

When asked to describe his career development in one word, KK didn’t hesitate: “Entrepreneurial.” Whether in a startup or a large corporation, KK emphasises the importance of thinking outside the box and approaching challenges with an entrepreneurial attitude. “It’s crucial to understand what the company is trying to solve and then think out of the box to attack that problem,” KK explains. This approach has been a guiding principle throughout his career, allowing him to innovate and lead, whether at a FTSE 25 company or a fledgling startup.

A passion for technology

KK’s passion for technology dates back to his childhood in the Himalayas, where he was fascinated by how mechanical objects like car engines worked. This curiosity eventually led him to a career in technology, with his journey taking him from Silicon Valley to Europe, working for companies like Nortel, Farfetch and Haleon. “I was always interested in how things work, and that curiosity has driven me throughout my career,” KK reflects.

His career has been marked by constant evolution, embracing new challenges and learning new skills. “Navigating different roles is like doing a reset,” KK says. Whether transitioning from a senior vice president role to an engineer to stay close to the technology or adapting to new trends like generative AI, KK’s ability to learn and adapt has been key to his success. 

Innovating with generative AI 

Among the many projects KK has spearheaded, one that stands out is a recent initiative involving generative AI. He shares the story of an acquaintance who, unable to find a job due to the economic climate, used generative AI to create content for an Olympics-related website. This innovative use of AI not only showcased the potential of new technologies but also highlighted the importance of staying ahead of the curve. “I’m really excited to see what happens next with generative AI.”

As an expert in AI and data, KK is particularly passionate about the role of data in driving AI innovation. “Good AI comes based on good data,” he asserts. KK stresses the need for companies to focus on data quality, governance, and risk frameworks to differentiate themselves in the competitive landscape. “The only thing that can differentiate my company from your company is our data,” he adds, underscoring the critical role of data in modern business strategies.

Advice for the next Kshitij Kumar

For those looking to follow in his footsteps, KK offers simple yet profound advice: “Get a different hat.” Beyond the humour, KK emphasises the importance of balancing technical expertise with business acumen. “You have to learn both the business perspective and the technical perspective,” he advises. “So really important to understand the technology, hands-on, but also really important to put yourself in the shoes of that business stakeholder… if you can tie that need with the technology that you have access to, You're going to hit pure gold.”

KK is optimistic about the future and the new AI era. “We’re still at the very beginning of the AI journey,” he says, highlighting the importance of good data in building effective AI systems. KK believes that the next 5 to 15 years will bring unprecedented advancements in AI, and he is excited to be at the forefront of this next stage. “It's really important for all of us to ask those questions of people—I believe this is just the start of a huge wave.”

Leader's Corner: Check out our line-up of HotTopics Leader's Corner and Leader's Profile Interviews.

HotTopics produces interviews with a diverse array of leaders, C-suite marketing and technology leaders. These take place in-person during our much-anticipated flagship event, The Studio, and virtually with leaders based all over the world. Learn more about what makes these leaders tick, and their experiences and expertise that have supported them in their careers so far.