Ajay Anand has been named the inaugural Executive in Residence at the Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative (WAIAI), where he will contribute his industry expertise to shape AI research, mentor students, and participate in discussions and events. Anand, currently the senior vice president of Global Services, Strategy & Business Services at Johnson & Johnson, will collaborate with Wharton faculty to ensure AI research aligns with real-world business applications.
Achim Welter, senior director of ERP, Digital & IT Strategy at The Hershey Company, will also join WAIAI in this initiative.
Expressing enthusiasm about his new role, Anand shared on LinkedIn that he is eager to engage with students, researchers, and peers to contribute to WAIAI’s development and support the next wave of AI innovators.
With over 26 years of experience, Anand has led transformational strategies across various industries, including consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and telecommunications. Wharton describes him as a dynamic leader who has spearheaded global initiatives that redefine industries.
Anand holds two master’s degrees—an MBA from Drexel University in Philadelphia and a master’s in computer science from Gujarat University in India. He currently resides in Pennsylvania with his wife and two daughters.
