Lashkar Kashif
About Lashkar Kashif
Lashkar Kashif serves as the Senior Director and Head of Machine Learning & Data Science at Cvent, where he focuses on enhancing software solutions through machine learning and generative AI. He has a background in high-energy physics, having earned a PhD from Harvard University, and has held various data science roles at CERN and Gartner.
Work at Cvent
Lashkar Kashif serves as the Senior Director and Head of Machine Learning & Data Science at Cvent, a position he has held since 2019. In this role, he focuses on enhancing Cvent's software solutions through machine learning, data science, and generative AI. He leads initiatives such as the Cvent Machine Learning Academy, which aims to build technical knowledge and skills across the organization. In 2023, he instituted the Machine Learning Hub, a platform for discussing machine learning and AI applications company-wide. Additionally, he chairs the AI Leadership Council, which identifies AI-based automation opportunities within large departments.
Previous Experience at CERN
Lashkar Kashif has a significant background in research, having worked at CERN from 2010 to 2016. He served as a Research Associate for five years before transitioning to an Assistant Scientist role for eight months in 2015 to 2016. His experience at CERN involved advanced studies in experimental high-energy physics, contributing to his expertise in data science and machine learning.
Experience at Gartner
Kashif's tenure at Gartner spanned from 2016 to 2019, where he held multiple roles. He began as a Senior Data Scientist, then progressed to Lead Data Scientist & Director, and finally served as Senior Director of Data Science for six months in 2019. His work at Gartner focused on data-driven insights and analytics, further solidifying his expertise in the field.
Education and Expertise
Lashkar Kashif holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Experimental High Energy Physics from Harvard University, where he studied from 2003 to 2010. He also earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physics from Yale University, completing his degree from 1999 to 2003. His academic background provides a strong foundation for his work in machine learning and data science.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Kashif actively engages with the community through various outreach initiatives at Cvent. He conducts webinars on machine learning and AI, participates in AI booths, and delivers talks at marquee events. These efforts aim to educate and inform both customers and colleagues about advancements in AI technologies.