Expert Portrait: David-Marc Petit, Director of Data and Analytics Practice

With over 30 years of experience and a PhD in Applied Econometrics, David-Marc Petit, the new Director of Data and Analytics Practice, strengthens Logient’s expertise in data management and optimization. His role? To guide our clients in optimizing their systems and structuring their analytical practices. His arrival marks a key milestone—learn more right now.

Hello David-Marc! You recently joined Logient as the Director of Data and Analytics Practice. To set the stage, could you briefly define data, analytics, and the synergy between these two areas?

In reality, data and analytics form a cohesive whole. Data is at the core of every IT system without exception. Personally, I don’t know of any IT system that doesn’t contain data since every system generates and manipulates data, making it an essential resource for all operations. Data is truly at the center of everything.

When we talk about the data practice, we cover the entire lifecycle, from creation to exploitation. Analytics, on the other hand, represents a specific part of this exploitation. It involves using data to generate insights that inform strategic decisions. In short, analytics is the ultimate goal: it allows the use of reliable data to make informed decisions and drive actions to move the business forward.

If you had to identify a top priority for businesses in 2024 regarding data and analytics, what would it be?

In my opinion, the priority for businesses in 2024 should be focusing on data governance. This goes far beyond security. Efficiently leveraging data is becoming increasingly complex, and this challenge will only grow as the volume of data increases. Data governance is the foundation upon which any organization rests. Companies that do not yet have a Chief Data Officer (CDO) or equivalent are at a real disadvantage because data management shouldn’t be solely an IT responsibility—it’s a task that belongs primarily to the executive leadership. It’s crucial that everyone speaks the same language. This means adopting a common, validated vocabulary to avoid any ambiguity in decision-making. A clear and shared methodology is just as essential. When it comes to data, there is no room for ambiguity.

We promise our clients technological efficiency, meaning delivering maximum results with optimized costs and efforts. How will data and analytics accelerate the creation of this efficiency?

Business efficiency is at the heart of what we do, and analytics plays a key role in optimizing company performance. To achieve this, you must first build on a solid and efficient technological foundation, particularly in terms of database modeling and the smooth flow of information between systems.

Analytics continuously identifies areas for improvement by precisely highlighting problems that need to be addressed to optimize processes. It covers a broad spectrum: descriptive analysis helps understand what’s happening, while diagnostic analysis identifies the root causes of issues. Then, there are two ways to respond: either manually or with prescriptive analysis, which, using predictive models, anticipates future problems and solves them before they occur.

In short, our mission is to help our clients make their business as efficient as possible by relying on high-quality data and powerful analytics to guide optimal actions.

What is your background in data and analytics? Can you tell us about your career journey?

My journey with data began during my university studies. After studying management and completing an internship at a bank, I decided to specialize in econometrics. I even pursued a PhD in applied econometrics for the aeronautics sector, which allowed me to deepen my skills in managing complex data and analysis.

Business intelligence (BI) and advanced analytics (machine learning) have become pillars of my professional path and have been at the heart of my work since the beginning. What drives me is helping companies make informed decisions based on quality data and always striving to optimize their business and operational performance through precise and reliable analyses.

During my PhD, I also had the opportunity to teach, and I continue to do so, notably at MIT and Cornell. I love sharing my knowledge. I enjoy being in contact with innovative thinkers. Everything I learn, I enjoy passing on so that people can use it as a starting point to innovate in their own right.

Would you like to learn more about our data and analytics services? Discover them now.