ISELIN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JT Kostman, Ph.D., an internationally recognized leader in cognitive computing, applied artificial intelligence, and data strategy, has joined Grant Thornton LLP as managing director of applied artificial intelligence.

In this new role, Kostman will lead the development and delivery of artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, blockchain, and advanced analytic solutions and services for the firm and Grant Thornton clients. He will be based in the firm’s Iselin, N.J., office and will report into National Managing Principal of Innovation Kevin Baril.

Kostman is a data scientist, mathematician, and psychologist renowned for his expertise in applied artificial intelligence and cognitive computing. He boasts an impressive pedigree – having served as chief data officer and a member of the executive committee for Time Inc., chief data scientist for Samsung, and chief data scientist and big data psychologist for Aptus Insights. In addition to his corporate experience, Kostman has served U.S. intelligence, security, and defense agencies, including the CIA, FBI, and DHS, as well as President Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign.

“Applied artificial intelligence is the future of business – an asset and an opportunity enterprises must embrace,” said Baril. “JT’s experience and credentials, which speak for themselves, will be pivotal to Grant Thornton making the most of our capabilities in this revolutionary space – and helping clients transform.”

Kostman added, “Grant Thornton and I are like-minded in our views on the potential for artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, and robotics to improve operations and create new opportunities. We share a commitment to helping enterprises move past the hype and focus on how they can use these technologies to improve their businesses. It’s all about bottom-line outcomes.”

Kostman received a doctorate and a master’s degree in psychology from the City University of New York. He completed post-doctoral research in mathematics and computer science under a National Science Foundation (NSF) fellowship with the New England Complex Systems Institute, hosted at Harvard and MIT. Kostman was awarded a second NSF fellowship for studies in nonlinear dynamical systems theory at Moscow State University of Economics, Statistics and Information as part of a NATO Advanced Study Institute.

Kostman is a sought-after speaker and will represent Grant Thornton at numerous national and international events, including the National Association of Corporate Directors’ Global Board Leaders’ Summit in Washington, D.C., Sept. 29-Oct. 2, and the AICPA & CIMA National Conference in New York, Oct. 13-14.

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