Paul Ballew

Chief Data and Analytics Officer at The National Football League

Paul Ballew is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in the field of data and analytics. Here are some key points about his career and current role:

Current Role

Paul Ballew serves as the Chief Data & Analytics Officer for the National Football League (NFL), a position he has held since September 2021. Based in New York, he directs the League's extensive data and analytics operations, focusing on improving on-field football, enhancing the fan experience, and driving commercial outcomes for the League, its clubs, and partners.1 3 4

Responsibilities

In his current role, Ballew supports critical workstreams within Football Operations and Player Health & Safety, leveraging analytics to advance the game. He is also leading initiatives to deepen fan engagement through enhanced fan modeling, predictive analytics, and the personalization of content and experiences. The NFL's fan data platform, built on Amazon Web Services (AWS), is a key component of this effort, integrating vast amounts of fan data to create a unified view and enable personalized experiences.1 3 4

Previous Roles

Before joining the NFL, Ballew held similar positions in various industries:

Loblaw Companies Limited: He was the Chief Data and Analytics Officer, where he directed the company's data and analytics functions, data management operations, and AI and Machine Learning Center of Excellence. His work resulted in significant financial benefits, including $500 million in incremental EBIT and over $1 billion in annual revenue.1 5
Ford Motor Company: Ballew served as the Vice President and Global Chief Data and Analytics Officer, where he designed and launched a new global data and analytics function and led a multi-year, billion-dollar investment in data and analytics.1 5
Other Roles: He has also led data and analytics organizations at Nationwide Financial, Dun and Bradstreet, and General Motors.1 2

Expertise and Contributions

Ballew's career is marked by his ability to turn insights into action through close collaboration with business partners. He has a strong background in establishing and leading transformational data and analytics organizations, improving customer relationships, and driving operational excellence. His experience spans multiple industries, including retail, automotive, and financial services.1 2 5

Additional Roles

In addition to his role at the NFL, Ballew is a board member at Hyatt Hotels Corporation and has been a part of the CDO Magazine’s Global Editorial Board, sharing his expertise and innovations in data and analytics.1 2 5