Sunil Kakade
About Sunil Kakade
Sunil Kakade serves as the System Vice President of Data Engineering and Advanced Analytics (AI/ML) at CommonSpirit Health, where he has worked since 2021. He has a strong background in AI and data engineering, with over 10 patent applications and experience in transforming healthcare organizations into AI-driven enterprises.
Work at CommonSpirit Health
Sunil Kakade currently serves as System Vice President of Data Engineering and Advanced Analytics (AI/ML) at CommonSpirit Health, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he has transformed the organization into an AI-driven enterprise, enhancing data analytics maturity. He has led the development of over 70 AI use cases that improve patient outcomes across 140 hospitals in 21 states. Kakade also launched an internal AI Assistant aimed at boosting productivity and creativity for over 10,000 employees. His leadership has established a companywide AI Center of Excellence, promoting AI adoption throughout the organization.
Previous Experience at Sears Holdings Corporation
Kakade has extensive experience at Sears Holdings Corporation, where he worked in various roles from 2007 to 2014. He began as a Technical Specialist and progressed to Team Manager IT, and later served as Director of Information and Technology. His tenure at Sears spanned over seven years, during which he contributed to IT management and strategy development. This experience provided him with a solid foundation in technology and management, which he later applied in his roles at Dignity Health and CommonSpirit Health.
Education and Expertise
Sunil Kakade holds two Master of Science degrees. He studied Information Technology and Management at the Illinois Institute of Technology from 2004 to 2006. Prior to that, he earned a degree in Artificial Intelligence Applications to Manufacturing from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, from 1992 to 1995. His educational background equips him with a strong foundation in both IT and AI, which he leverages in his current role in healthcare analytics.
Achievements in AI and Data Engineering
Kakade has authored over 10 patent applications related to neural network applications and generative AI. He is recognized for implementing rigorous AI governance policies that ensure ethical, unbiased, and auditable AI models. His work has established a generative AI strategy that unlocks new use cases across organizations. Additionally, he is known for his ability to recruit top data scientists and upskill large analytics organizations, contributing to the growth of AI capabilities within the healthcare sector.
Role as Adjunct Faculty at Northwestern University
Since 2013, Sunil Kakade has served as an Adjunct Faculty member at Northwestern University in the Greater Chicago Area. In this role, he shares his expertise in data engineering and advanced analytics with students, contributing to their education and professional development. His involvement in academia complements his extensive industry experience, allowing him to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of AI and data analytics.