Rob Souza leads big data and advanced analytics in retail at The Boston Consulting Group. He is a member of the firm's retail leadership team and is a core member of the Marketing, Sales & Pricing; Operations; and Strategy practices.

Since joining BCG in 2000, Rob has worked with clients across a range of industries, with a focus on consumer goods and retail.

He is also a member of BCG's Gamma team, which creates competitive advantages for organizations by unleashing the power of signals hidden deep within large and complex data sets. BCG's Gamma team conceptualizes, builds, and deploys advanced analytic solutions that can transform the trajectories of organizations in 12 to 24 months.

Before joining BCG, Rob worked at Deloitte Consulting.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Leads BCG’s work in big data and advanced analytics in retail
  • Growth and portfolio strategy
  • Development of new retail concepts
  • Multichannel retailing
  • Merchandising effectiveness and transformation
  • Improvement in cost of goods sold
  • Inventory management and supply chain improvement
  • Postmerger integration

EDUCATION

  • MBA, Harvard Business School
  • BS, mechanical engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Publications and Videos

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Making Big Data Work: Retailing

Big data can explain the who, what, when, where, why, and how of retailing. Which projects are a flash in the pan, and which will fuel growth? We see three opportunities for retailers to generate a significant increase in revenues and profits in the near term.
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Seven Ways to Profit from Big Data as a Business

Companies in information-rich industries are generating entirely new revenue streams, business units, and standalone businesses out of the data they hold.
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Data Privacy by the Numbers

Global consumers want similar things when it comes to personal data. In this slideshow, we explore the sentiments about data privacy expressed by people around the world.
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The Trust Advantage: How to Win with Big Data

Some organizations that use personal data will create trust, while others will destroy it. Those that steward data well will achieve a significant performance boost.
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Big Data’s Five Routes to Value

Big data can generate insights, but it can also reshape processes, decision making, and even industries. The companies that get ahead will be those that see—and seize—the opportunities.
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How to Get Started with Big Data

Many senior leaders are having a hard time figuring out where to start with big data. Answers to four questions can create clarity and put an end to “big-data paralysis.”
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Same-Day Delivery: Not Yet Ready for Prime Time

Same-day delivery, a concept that bombed during the dot-com era, is back on the loading dock. Will it fare better this time around?
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The Art and Science of Retail Reinvention

Retail formats have short shelf lives, so retailers must reinvent and evolve their store concepts over time. Here are the top ten success factors.
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The Elements of a Retail Business Model

Change in retail markets comes slowly, so it’s easy to miss opportunities to make necessary adjustments.
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