Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Extra-curricular Activities
Languages
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Lorén Wesso

Advanced Analytics
Cape Town
Lorén Wesso

Summary

Lorén is a seasoned senior manager, boasting over a decade of expertise in advanced analytics, statistics, machine learning, and data science. As the current Head of Advanced Analytics at Woolworths South Africa, Lorén's leadership has been pivotal, often recognised for his multifaceted abilities and industrious nature. Proficient in crafting strategies and directing key enhancements, he consistently facilitates business expansion and growth. Lorén's visionary leadership is underscored by his proven history of fostering high-performing teams and steering business operations towards notable revenue growth.

Overview

6
years of professional experience

Work History

(2008 - 2016)

Former Experience

Job overview

  • CatalytIQ, Senior Data Scientist (Statistical Modelling and Analytics)
  • RCS Credit, Decision Scientist Specialist (Statistical Analysis and Modelling)
  • Irvin & Johnson, Principal Lead (Data Scientist/Statistician)
  • Ernst & Young, Data Analyst & IT General Controls
  • University of the Western Cape, Senior Lecturing Officer (Statistics and SAS Programming)
  • University of the Western Cape, Officer and Computer Literacy Module Coordinator

Woolworths
Cape Town

Senior Manager: Head of Advanced Analytics
01.2021 - Current

Job overview

  • Constructed and refined machine learning models, significantly elevating targeting precision via sophisticated analytical frameworks
  • Produced in-depth customer insights reports, streamlining efficiency while instituting robust measurement mechanisms
  • Spearheaded and championed process enhancements, optimising advanced analytics operations and achieving substantial cost reductions
  • Instituted robust frameworks, fortifying a culture of data-centric decision-making
  • Meticulously analysed business performance metrics, providing insightful forecasts to executive leadership
  • Collaborated closely with IT to conceptualise and deploy technology-driven solutions

Notable Achievements:

  • Awarded the CEO recognition bonus for exceptional dedication and pivotal contributions in crafting cutting-edge advanced analytical assets.

Woolworths
Cape Town

Senior Manager: Customer Insights & CVM
01.2019 - 12.2021

Job overview

  • Designed and heightened the efficiency and effectiveness of the customer insights infrastructure, ensuring precise data-driven strategies
  • Enhanced CVM campaign targeting and execution, driving unparalleled efficiency
  • Instituted and entrenched a robust framework for analytics, customer insights, and CVM governance, promoting consistent and high-quality outputs
  • Crafted and disseminated detailed customer insights reports and initiatives across all business units, leveraging the refined capabilities of the Customer 360 data view
  • Oversaw systems and initiatives to curtail CVM voucher expenses, subsequently amplifying revenue and profit margins

Notable Achievements:

  • In a strategic collaboration with the marketing division, analysed campaign metrics, pinpointing and capitalising on advanced analytics opportunities, resulting in a remarkable ~15% surge in conversions

Vodacom
Cape Town

Senior Data Scientist: Advanced Analytics
05.2017 - 06.2019

Job overview

  • Crafted sophisticated predictive models by harnessing the power of machine learning and advanced statistical techniques
  • Conceived and implemented algorithms and visualisations tailored to derive actionable insights from vast data sets
  • Constructed persuasive data narratives and visual representations to guide and influence key stakeholders
  • Innovatively designed and executed collection, analysis, and reporting frameworks from the ground up, introducing strategies to maximise system efficiency and impact
  • Pioneered research and methodologies to quantify and interpret the influence of direct marketing campaigns on customer behavior and revenue generation

Notable Achievements:

  • Distinguished as a top performer for the Fin Year '18. Revolutionised CVM campaigns through machine learning implementation, driving a remarkable revenue increase of approximately 50% in international markets

Education

University of The Western Cape
Cape Town, South Africa

Master of Science from Statistics
11.2011

University Overview

University of The Western Cape
Cape Town, South Africa

Bachelor of Science from Statistics (Hons)
11.2007

University Overview

University of The Western Cape
Cape Town, South Africa

Bachelor of Science from Computer Science
11.2005

University Overview

Skills

Languages & Tools: R, Python, SQL, SAS, SPSS, Tableau

Visualisation: Tableau, QuickSight, SAS VA, Power BI, Power Pivot

Statistical & Machine Learning Techniques: Descriptive/Inferential Statistics, Regression, Classification, Clustering, Time Series Forecasting, Neural Networks, Supervised and Unsupervised learning

Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, IBM Watson

Other: Data Wrangling, A/B Testing, Forecast Modeling, Credit Score Carding, Systems Change Management, Analytical Auditing, Customer/Business Insights Analytics, Customer Value Management

Extra-curricular Activities

Extra-curricular Activities

Part-time mentoring/tutoring:

  • Head Mentor (Part-time), Big Data and Social Analytics Course - an online course offered and developed by GetSmarter (Cape Town) for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
  • Tutor (Part-time), Data Analysis for Management - an online course offered and developed by 2U (Cape Town) for the London School of Economics and Political Science Data Analysis for Management (LSE), London

Languages

English
First Language
English
Proficient
C2
Afrikaans
Upper Intermediate
B2

Timeline

Senior Manager: Head of Advanced Analytics
Woolworths
01.2021 - Current
Senior Manager: Customer Insights & CVM
Woolworths
01.2019 - 12.2021
Senior Data Scientist: Advanced Analytics
Vodacom
05.2017 - 06.2019
University of The Western Cape
Master of Science from Statistics
University of The Western Cape
Bachelor of Science from Statistics (Hons)
University of The Western Cape
Bachelor of Science from Computer Science
Former Experience
(2008 - 2016)
Lorén WessoAdvanced Analytics