MSIT Graduate Named One of Top 100 Data Leaders
Amit Sahani (MSIT '12) is global head of data for StoneX Group, where he routinely applies lessons he first learned in Northwestern Engineering's Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program.
Amit Sahani (MSIT '12) laughs at the idea of an average work day.
There is nothing average about his work as the global head of data for StoneX Group, a financial services franchise. That is exactly what excites Sahani about the job.
"I love solving business problems through a combination of data technology, human interaction, and process improvements that lead to data-driven decisions," Sahani said. "I'm passionate about building infrastructure that enables real-time insights and ensures high data quality — both are essential for our organization to operate efficiently and stay competitive."
Sahani's ability to mix strategy, collaboration, and problem solving have been vital to the company since he joined it in 2019. It also is why Sahani was recently named one of the top 100 data leaders in North America by Chief Data Officer Magazine.
The recognition is a reflection of the talented teams Sahani works with, he said. It also serves as motivation moving forward.
"It's a reminder of the importance of staying focused on how data can make a meaningful difference and help drive real value for the business," he said. "At the same time, it's an encouragement of a sort that leads me to keep learning, innovating, and contributing positively to the field."
That desire to keep learning and innovating is what drove Sahani to Northwestern Engineering's Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program more than a decade ago. At the time, Sahani led a data team of seven software engineers at Infinium Capital Management. In that role, he spearheaded the creation of data mining applications and built an on premise strategy to collect and connect high frequency market data with reference data.
Sahani wanted a blend of technology and business education, and he found it in the MSIT program.
"Coming from a background in trading and algorithmic development, I was looking for a program that didn’t just deepen my technical knowledge but also broadened my understanding of how to apply technology strategically in a business context," he said. "MSIT’s curriculum, which included courses on data strategy, systems design, and leadership, felt like the perfect bridge between my technical skills and my career ambitions in data and technology leadership."
Sahani went on to hold head of analytics, technology group lead, and global development manager for data services titles at trading technology companies following the MSIT program.
He credits his faculty and MSIT classmates with teaching him time management, decision-making, and leadership skills that are all essential in a fast-paced, data-driven environment.
In his current role, Sahani builds infrastructure that enables real-time insights and ensures high data quality.
"Your data driven results are as good as your data and current processes," he said. "To have a true impact, you need to invest in quality data and change management of processes."
MSIT taught Sahani how to effectively prioritize projects and focus on initiatives that drive the most value for the organization. This is particularly important when managing complex projects across teams and timelines, he said.
"MSIT has had a lasting impact on how I connect technology with business strategy," Sahani said. "The program strengthened my ability to think holistically about data initiatives — not only from a technical perspective but also in terms of how they align with broader business goals and drive measurable value."