Chief Information & Chief Data Officer at Delek US

Ido Biger is a seasoned executive, technology strategist, and data expert currently serving as the EVP, CIO, and CDO at Delek US. With a passion for leveraging data-driven insights to drive business growth and innovation, Biger has significantly impacted IT and data management.

Could you describe your career journey so far and your key responsibilities at Delek US?

With over 25 years of experience in the IT industry, I began my career as a BI developer and have since taken on various roles, including lecturer and creator of big data and data science practicum, and academic program manager, before eventually assuming the position of EVP, Chief Information, and Data Officer at Delek US.

At Delek US, a diversified downstream energy company with assets in petroleum refining, logistics, renewable fuels, and convenience store retailing, a significant portion of my work involves implementing technology to support refinery transportation. I adopt a "boots on the ground" approach, frequently traveling to our various locations to support significant projects within our office and at headquarters.

Please shed some light on the challenges prevailing in the industry.

In the oil and gas industry, establishing a data culture to drive decision-making is a challenging task, requiring a delicate balance between embracing digital advancements and traditional methods. Overcoming these challenges and facilitating the adoption of digital capabilities can unlock immense opportunities for growth and development. As the industry rapidly evolves, staying relevant becomes increasingly crucial.

   In the oil and gas industry, establishing a data culture to drive decision-making is a challenging task, requiring a delicate balance between embracing digital advancements and traditional methods. 

Leveraging my extensive experience in leading technology across diverse sectors such as finance, software, telecom, and aviation, I can craft compelling strategies to enhance operational excellence, improve efficiency, optimize products, and prioritize safety and reliability. Drawing from this cross-industry expertise allows me to bring innovative solutions and fresh perspectives to address the unique challenges in the oil and gas sector. By embracing the power of data and technology, we can pave the way for a more successful and sustainable future in this dynamic industry.

How do you leverage data analytics and AI to optimize operational efficiency and decision-making at Delek US?

My focus lies in aligning different units to ensure we contribute real-time data products supporting action-based decisions. Embedding these insights into the operating system enables us to truly act upon them. For instance, when we utilize drone capabilities and extract insights from them, we incorporate that data into our data product. We can then drill down into specific findings and videos captured by the drones by zooming in on tasks. This empowers us to act upon insights and make data actionable.

Is there a recent project initiative that you have been working on lately? 

While many organizations gather information about hazards, safety observations, and incidents, they often fall short of taking action. By consciously completing the loop, we can decrease the to-do list rather than adding to it. We leverage trends to enhance shift handover and optimize processes through reinforcement learning, effectively streamlining the financial aspects of production. We also use supportive technologies in the refineries, allowing us to be more precise in our focus. In the case of several findings, it will help us choose the right insights based on their relevance.

In light of your experience, what will be your advice to fellow peers in the industry?

We need to learn to embrace every situation as a potential opportunity. Whether it involves new technologies, capabilities, or changes in human capital, instead of perceiving them as threats, we should consider them as aspects of growth and advancement.