Valliappa Lakshmanan

Valliappa Lakshmanan, commonly known as Lak Lakshmanan, is an Operating Executive focused on Data and AI at Silver Lake, a prominent investment firm. He has been in this role since April 2022, working primarily to enhance the value of portfolio companies through innovative data and AI strategies. Lak is based in Bellevue, Washington, and has over 500 connections on LinkedIn.

Professional Background

• Current Position: Operating Executive -- Data Science at Silver Lake
  • Focuses on leveraging data and AI to drive innovation in portfolio companies.
• Previous Roles:
  • Director, Data Analytics and AI Solutions at Google (Sept 2019 - Mar 2022): Led a team to develop software solutions for various industries using Google Cloud's analytics and machine learning products.
  • Tech Lead for Big Data and ML Professional Services at Google (Feb 2016 - Sept 2019): Supported partners and customers in utilizing Google Cloud's Big Data and ML offerings.
  • Director of Meteorology (Data Science) at The Climate Corporation (Aug 2014 - Feb 2016): Managed a team of data scientists to create weather-related analytics aimed at improving agricultural yields.
  • Research Scientist at the University of Oklahoma/National Severe Storms Lab (July 1995 - Aug 2014): Developed machine learning algorithms for severe weather phenomena.

Education

• PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma (2000-2002)
• MS in Electrical & Biomedical Engineering, Ohio State University (1993-1995)
• B.Tech in Electronics & Communications Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (1989-1993)

Publications

Lak is also an author with O'Reilly, having written several books on topics such as machine learning design patterns and data governance.

His extensive experience in data science, machine learning, and leadership roles within significant tech companies positions him as a key figure in the intersection of technology and investment strategy at Silver Lake.