Alexander is available for hire
Hire AlexanderAlexander Vasilyev
Verified Expert in Engineering
AI and Digital Transformation Engineer and Developer
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Toptal member since September 11, 2026
Bio
Alexander is a director of AI and digital transformation with over 20 years of experience in enterprise IT and AI strategy for clients such as Renascence, Kalinka Middle East, and Petropavlovsk PLC. His primary expertise is in AI strategy development, digital transformation, and operational efficiency for industries such as real estate, mining, and education. Alexander delivered 300+ programs and achieved 2x revenue growth while at Renascence.
Portfolio
Retailhub
Automation, Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science...
Renascence
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Transformation, Automation...
Kalinka Middle East
JSON, Python, Microsoft Azure, Computer Vision, Speech Recognition...
Experience
- Data Governance - 20 years
- IT Infrastructure - 20 years
- Automation - 20 years
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) - 10 years
- Digital Transformation - 10 years
- Computer Vision - 10 years
- Process Mining - 10 years
- Large Language Models (LLMs) - 5 years
Preferred Environment
Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Power Platform, Artificial Intelligence (AI), AWS IoT, Computer Vision, Digital Transformation
The most amazing...
...transformation I've led is delivering 300+ enterprise AI programs that drove 2x revenue growth and a 30% cost reduction for clients.
Work Experience
Director of Analytics & Insights – Retail & FMCG
2025 - PRESENT
Retailhub
- Developed an end-to-end reporting suite driving daily operations decisions across MENA food-delivery partners.
- Collaborated with government and Tier-1 FMCG multinational brands to deliver insights on on-shelf availability (OSA), planograms, SKU performance, and pricing.
- Managed MENA store rollouts across the UAE, Oman, and Kuwait, developing ShelfVision SOPs, routine playbooks, BPMN process modeling, and KPI design.
- Guided Retailhub through security validation procedures required by Tier-1 corporate clients.
Technologies: Automation, Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Business Analysis
Director of Artificial Intelligence & Digital Transformation
2024 - PRESENT
Renascence
- Directed over 50 complex, multi-stakeholder digital transformation projects across MENA, achieving 2x revenue growth in Q4 2024-Q1 2025 by aligning AI integration, automation, and execution excellence with client business goals.
- Conceived and launched four proprietary AI products, enabling clients to accelerate innovation pipelines, capture new revenue opportunities, and strengthen market competitiveness.
- Transitioned enterprise systems from legacy platforms to AI-driven architectures, embedding Vibe Coding practices and AI Agent swarms to deliver faster releases, continuous innovation, and scalable operations. Reduced costs by 30%.
- Developed and launched enterprise-wide data governance frameworks and implemented AI Ready Data practices to standardize, secure, and prepare corporate data for advanced analytics and AI workloads.
- Designed and rolled out an internal corporate LLM platform, introducing AI governance protocols and providing generative AI access for employees across business units to enhance productivity and decision-making.
- Co-launched L&D programs with HR leaders in India and the UAE, building structured career pathways and upskilling initiatives that significantly improved retention of top technical talent.
Technologies: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Transformation, Automation, Data Governance, Large Language Models (LLMs)
Digital Transformation Director
2022 - 2024
Kalinka Middle East
- Established an information and digital technology 3-year strategy across 3 countries, projecting an additional $29 million in revenue.
- Implemented generative AI, computer vision, speech recognition technologies, and process mining on a Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Power Platform infrastructure, reducing labor costs by over 15%.
- Led a diverse team of developers, UI/UX designers, product managers, and analysts to deliver multiple initiatives within budget and on time.
- Increased team performance by 30% within 12 months of employment.
- Implemented a change management system based on SAFe Essentials to optimize strategic portfolio management across five domains.
- Transitioned technology stack from .NET, C#, to PHP, JavaScript, Python, and Camunda Process Orchestration.
Technologies: JSON, Python, Microsoft Azure, Computer Vision, Speech Recognition, Process Mining
Chief Information Officer
2021 - 2022
Petropavlovsk PLC
- Developed strategic initiatives boosting SCADA, MES, ERP, BI, and IT infrastructure while managing budgets of $3 million annually and $15.4 million over 2022-2026.
- Streamlined organizational structure by reducing personnel by 24% (110 to 83 FTE), resulting in savings of $1.5 million.
- Implemented central IT and SCADA policies, procedures, and service catalog serving 8,000 FTE. Achieved a 98% CSAT score.
- Ensured control over IT and SCADA infrastructure during a corporate conflict to safeguard operations in the UK and Russia.
- Launched IT and SCADA systems in a new flotation plant to help achieve a planned production capacity of 1.8 million tons of ore per year.
- Migrated IT infrastructure to a Tier III data center, boosting SLA to 98.997%.
- Led a team to develop a system for predicting ball mills' overload that reduced downtime by 30% and energy consumption from 530 to 390-420 kWh.
- Led a change to increase mining trucks' productivity, increasing trips per shift by 3-7% and reducing equipment downtime.
- Navigated procedures for M&A audits and LSE IT audits (KPMG, PWC, Baker Tilly, MHA MacIntyre Hudson), preparing all crucial IT documents.
Technologies: SCADA, IT Infrastructure, Computer Vision, ITSM, Automation, Azure IoT
Chief Technology Officer
2020 - 2021
Letovo private IB school
- Executed a comprehensive digital strategy in collaboration with McKinsey for an educational IB School platform serving 1,000 students and over 300 teachers.
- Built a high-performing department team responsible for implementing the strategy by 2025.
- Defended budget changes for digital and information technology that resulted in a 3.7x increase in technology investments in 2020-2021.
- Conducted a comprehensive audit of the principal and supporting business processes to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.
- Reduced connection time from 24 hours to 15 minutes between students' parents and the operation departments.
- Optimized business processes using digital technologies, automation tools, process modeling tools, and process mining tools.
- Implemented end-to-end technologies such as Computer Vision and RPA in business processes to automate tasks and reduce labor costs.
- Modernized campus wireless network to boost SLA from 80% to 98%.
Technologies: Computer Vision, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Process Mining, School, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Experience
Multi-agent Customs Reconciliation
A customs reconciliation workflow had to process 30,000 TIFF documents containing blank pages, ink artifacts, and handwritten marks. Manual review and spreadsheet entry took 3-4 hours per document.
The solution used a multi-agent system on Microsoft AI Hub for TIFF conversion, image cleanup, OCR, data extraction, human-in-the-loop validation, and warehouse management system integration. Processing time fell to 3-4 minutes per document. The portfolio reports a $1.5 million reduction in debt and $200,000-$300,000 in annual operating cost savings.
The solution used a multi-agent system on Microsoft AI Hub for TIFF conversion, image cleanup, OCR, data extraction, human-in-the-loop validation, and warehouse management system integration. Processing time fell to 3-4 minutes per document. The portfolio reports a $1.5 million reduction in debt and $200,000-$300,000 in annual operating cost savings.
Predictive Analytics for Ball Mill Overload
A machine learning solution predicted ball mill overload 30-40 minutes in advance, enabling operators to adjust operating conditions before disruptions occurred. The implementation combined predictive modeling, real-time alerts, and changes to ball-loading and operating modes.
The project reduced downtime by 30%, stabilized production, and delivered a reported annual financial impact of $850,000 to $1.16 million.
The project reduced downtime by 30%, stabilized production, and delivered a reported annual financial impact of $850,000 to $1.16 million.
Data Science Optimization of a Caterpillar 777 Fleet
A fleet optimization initiative analyzed truck GPS tracks, telematics, idle events, and fuel levels to improve hauling productivity. Predictive models supported cycle-time forecasts, speed recommendations, routing, and fuel-demand planning. An operational advisor provided real-time recommendations.
The initiative increased effective haul cycles by 3-7% and reduced refueling downtime by 15-25 minutes per event. The portfolio reports an annual financial impact of $2 million to $6.2 million. The resume supports my leadership in improving mining truck productivity.
The initiative increased effective haul cycles by 3-7% and reduced refueling downtime by 15-25 minutes per event. The portfolio reports an annual financial impact of $2 million to $6.2 million. The resume supports my leadership in improving mining truck productivity.
Voice & Text AI Assistant for Investment Firm
A customer service AI assistant handled inquiries across phone, WhatsApp, Telegram, and website chat. The solution combined retrieval-augmented generation, MCP tools, CRM integration, and automated calendar booking. Guardrails prevented the assistant from providing investment advice.
The portfolio reports a 40-50% reduction in handling time, a 25-30% increase in leads processed, $200,000-$250,000 in annual cost savings, and $300,000-$500,000 in additional annual revenue.
The portfolio reports a 40-50% reduction in handling time, a 25-30% increase in leads processed, $200,000-$250,000 in annual cost savings, and $300,000-$500,000 in additional annual revenue.
Education
2019 - 2020
Professional Degree in Digital Transformation Management
Moscow School of Management Skolkovo - Russia
2012 - 2015
Master's Degree in Innovation Management
Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration - Russia
2007 - 2008
Professional Degree in Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Bauman Moscow State Technical University - Russia
1996 - 2005
Bachelor's Degree in Heat Transmission, Gas Supply, and Ventilation
Moscow State University of Civil Engineering - Russia
Certifications
DECEMBER 2023 - PRESENT
International Logistics
LinkedIn Learning
AUGUST 2019 - PRESENT
Process Mining: Data science in Action
Coursera
FEBRUARY 2019 - PRESENT
Product development using Agile/Kanban/Scrum
Alfa-Bank
APRIL 2012 - APRIL 2015
Project Management Expert (PMBOK)
Project Management Institute (PMI)
FEBRUARY 2011 - PRESENT
ITIL Foundation
PM Expert
Skills
Tools
CAD
Languages
Python
Paradigms
Automation, Management, Agile, ITIL, PMBOK
Platforms
Microsoft Power Platform, AWS IoT
Storage
JSON
Other
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Transformation, Data Governance, Large Language Models (LLMs), Microsoft Azure, Computer Vision, Speech Recognition, Process Mining, IT Infrastructure, ITSM, SCADA, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), GCP DevOps, Azure IoT, School, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), CFO, Innovation, R&D, Machine Learning, Engineering, 3D CAD, Predictive Analytics, Mining Operations Technology, Data Science, Fleet Optimization, Telematics, Conversational AI, Voice AI, Retrieval-augmented Generation (RAG), Workflow Automation, SAFe 6, Logistics, IT Service Management (ITSM), Business Analysis
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