Francis Adrian Viernes is an award-winning Chief Data Scientist and Chief Innovation Officer at Megaworld Corporation, where he leads enterprise-wide transformation through AI, data science, and smart township innovations. He is the recipient of IDC’s CIO/CDO of the Year (2024) and has been consistently recognized among the Top 100 Filipinos to Follow on LinkedIn for inspiration and learning.

With deep expertise spanning real estate, fintech, and advanced analytics, Francis has pioneered large-scale AI solutions—including computer vision systems that reduced accidents by over 90%, predictive models for property development, and geospatial analytics platforms for urban planning. He previously served as Chief Data Scientist for a fast-growing Southeast Asian fintech firm and has led high-impact analytics initiatives across consulting and global organizations.

Academically, he is currently pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) at Georgia Tech, and holds multiple advanced degrees in finance, data science, and business, graduating with top honors. He is also an active educator, teaching data science, analytics, and finance across leading universities in the Philippines.

Francis brings a unique perspective at the intersection of AI, business strategy, and real-world deployment—driving innovation that transforms industries and communities.