Babak Abbaschian
About Babak Abbaschian
Babak Abbaschian serves as the Senior Director of Data Strategy and Analytics at Churchill Downs Incorporated, where he has worked since 2019. He has a diverse background in technology and education, having held various leadership roles in data strategy and analytics across multiple organizations.
Current Role at Churchill Downs Incorporated
Babak Abbaschian serves as the Senior Director of Data Strategy and Analytics at Churchill Downs Incorporated. He has held this position since 2019, contributing to various initiatives aimed at enhancing data-driven decision-making within the organization. His work includes implementing advanced analytics pipelines and building master data management systems to support customer engagement and operational efficiency.
Previous Experience in Academia
Babak Abbaschian has a background in academia, having worked as a Faculty Lecturer at Sullivan University from 2015 to 2018. He also served as an Instructor and Teaching Assistant at the University of Louisville from 2013 to 2015. His roles in these institutions involved educating students in various subjects, leveraging his extensive knowledge in technology and engineering.
Technology Leadership Roles
Abbaschian has held several technology leadership positions prior to his current role. He was the Chief Technology Officer at MyDailyPanel LLC from 2016 to 2020 and at Metra Institute from 2009 to 2013. Additionally, he served as Engineering Manager at Metra Institute from 2007 to 2009. His responsibilities in these roles included overseeing technology strategy and implementation, as well as consulting on human resources.
Educational Background and Qualifications
Babak Abbaschian has an extensive educational background. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Engineering from the University of Louisville. He also holds a Master of Science in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering from Science and Research University and a Bachelor of Science in the same field from the University of Tabriz. Additionally, he studied Business Administration and Management at Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Achievements in Data Strategy and Analytics
Abbaschian has made significant contributions in the field of data strategy and analytics. He led the development of a proprietary AI model for simulating horse racing games, which was utilized in the first-ever Virtual Kentucky Derby. He also implemented customer 360 enterprise solutions at Churchill Downs and developed various recommendation systems that achieved high conversion rates, demonstrating his expertise in applying advanced analytics to improve business outcomes.