Orlando Machado is a leading data scientist and AI expert, celebrated for his pioneering work in digital transformation and ethical technology. As the first Chief Data Officer at the LEGO Group, he played a crucial role in enabling the world’s most reputable brand to adopt cutting-edge technologies while safeguarding the privacy of its most important consumers: children. With over 30 years of expertise in data and AI, Orlando is a sought-after speaker, recognised for his ability to translate complex technologies into actionable insights for organisations worldwide.
Orlando’s career began in the 1990s as a Statistician in the Department of Epidemiology & Public Health at the University of Leicester, where he built machine-learning models to forecast the demand for specialist health services. He later worked as a Capacity Analyst at the BBC, modelling demand for technology services, and went on to become the Head of Analytics for WPP, further honing his skills in harnessing data for business growth. His academic background is equally impressive, holding a PhD in Statistics from the University of Warwick.
Throughout his career, Orlando has earned widespread recognition and numerous accolades. He has been named a ‘World AI Top 50 Innovator’ in 2022 and received the prestigious DataIQ Professor Derek Holder Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 for his long-standing contributions to the data industry. He has held key leadership roles, including Chief Data Scientist at MoneySuperMarket and Aviva, and is currently a Non-Executive Director at the University of Cambridge. Orlando also advises Electrify Video Partners, a startup growing YouTube channels, and previously served as a Non-Executive Director at Neos, a security technology company acquired by Sky.
Orlando’s expertise spans data science, AI innovation, and ethical technology. He is passionate about helping organisations harness the power of emerging technologies to unlock opportunities while managing risks. A vocal advocate for diversity in the workplace, he has contributed to the Gender Equality Leadership Team at Business in the Community and served as a Mentor for the 30% Club.
Whether sharing insights on data ethics, AI innovation, or digital transformation, Orlando Machado inspires audiences with his deep knowledge and industry-leading experience. Book him for your next event to gain invaluable insights from one of the world’s most influential data scientists.
How to hire Orlando Machado
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Orlando Machado for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
When he's at corporate events, Orlando covers the following topics:
- Analytical Data for Business Transformation
- Data Ethics in the Digital Age
- The Future of AI and Technology
- Consumer Insights for Business Success
- Diversity in Data Leadership
FEEDBACK FROM VIRTUAL EVENTS & WEBINARS:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Orlando attended many virtual events, booked as the exciting guest speaker. Read the feedback he has received below.
"The session went well this morning, Orlando had a slide deck and was very engaging and humorous, so very enjoyable! He has a great talent for making things easy to understand and digestible in what is a complex topic!" - Louise, Cheetah Digital
- 2023 – Awarded the Professor Derek Holder Lifetime Achievement Award at the DataIQ Awards for contributions to the data industry
- 2022 – Recognised as a ‘World AI Top 50 Innovator’ for pioneering work in data science and AI
- 2021 – Appointed Chief Data Officer & VP of the Data Office for the LEGO Group, enabling cutting-edge technologies and safeguarding children’s data privacy
- 2020 – Became a Non-Executive Director at the University of Cambridge, offering strategic oversight on data and technology matters
- 2020 – Joined as Chief Data Officer Governing Body Member of Evanta, shaping best practices for the global data science community
- 2019 – Served as Non-Executive Director for Neos, a smart-home technology company later acquired by Sky
- 2016 – Appointed Group Chief Data Scientist at Aviva, advancing data-driven insights in the insurance sector
- 2015 – Became Advisory Board Member to influential industry initiatives, promoting data ethics and innovation
- 2015 – Appointed Chief Data Scientist at MoneySuperMarket, driving data strategies in the fintech sector
- 2012 – Promoted to Head of Customer Science at MoneySuperMarket, leading customer-centric analytics
- 2011 – Joined dunnhumby as Head of Digital Solutions, supporting Tesco's data-driven customer insights
- 2006 – Served as Head of Insight Analysis at dunnhumby, shaping data science strategies in retail
- 2001 – Appointed Head of Analytics at WPP, modelling consumer behaviour for global marketing campaigns
- 1998 – Worked as a Capacity Analyst at the BBC, forecasting tech service demand
- 1996 – Began career as a Statistician in the Department of Epidemiology & Public Health at the University of Leicester, building machine-learning models for healthcare forecasting
