Students, faculty and staff at Fisher received an insider’s look at the critical importance of data in both established and emerging businesses from someone uniquely qualified to speak on it.

Deven Sharma (PhD ’87) returned to campus as part of an executive leadership seminar for graduate students at Fisher. Sharma, a management consultant, corporate strategist and information technologies investor, shared his thoughts on how to effectively lead an information business.

He spoke on the evolution of information in business and how consumer data has become a vital commodity for nearly every business and industry. Sharma also discussed the rising risks businesses and firms face when collecting, using and distributing data. These risks include reputational concerns, regulations, privacy, cyber threats and legal considerations.

“It was a pleasure to see Deven back at Ohio State, engaging with our students,” said Ken Boyer, chair of the Department of Management Sciences. “Deven is not only a great personal friend, but he represents the very best in our alumni—those who have built successful careers and who remain committed to advancing and elevating the educational experiences of the next generation of business leaders.”

Sharma previously served as president of Standard & Poor’s, the premier credit risk ratings, risk analytics, index, investment research, financial information and technology platform service provider. He began his tenure as the U.S. financial crisis began in 2007 and led the company through one of the most tumultuous periods in modern financial markets.

He led the strategic transformation of S&P to pivot to a new strategy, operating model and culture, while expanding globally, adapting to new regulations and rebuilding the organization’s reputation.

“We are fortunate to count Deven among our many alumni who have worked hard to be at the forefront of current and emerging business trends,” Boyer said. “I look forward to many more opportunities to hear and learn from Deven and the many alumni who share his professional passion.”