New York Jets Name Iwao Fusillo as Inaugural Chief Data & Analytics Officer
The appointment brings executive-level oversight to how data, analytics, and AI are governed and applied across both on-field performance and business operations at the club.
The New York Jets have appointed Iwao Fusillo as their first Chief Data & Analytics Officer, creating a dedicated executive role to oversee data, analytics, and artificial intelligence across the organization. The appointment establishes centralized leadership for data-driven work spanning football operations and front-office business functions. The role formalizes how data and analytics are structured, governed, and applied across the club, bringing executive-level oversight to an area that supports both competitive and business priorities.
Fusillo’s remit covers the club’s integrated data and AI strategy, with responsibility for analytics execution, governance, and alignment across departments. The role includes advising the executive leadership team and managing data and analytics professionals supporting on-field performance analysis, fan engagement initiatives, and commercial activities such as ticketing, marketing, sponsorships, and internal operations. The position brings these previously distributed efforts under a single executive function.
Fusillo shared the news of his appointment in a public LinkedIn post, “Full-circle moment! — I’m thrilled to share that I have joined the NY Jets as the club's inaugural Chief Data & Analytics Officer!!” he wrote. He noted that he grew up watching the Jets in Uniondale, Long Island, and stated that his focus will be on “leading our data and AI deployments to drive performance on the field, enhance fan engagement in the stands, and accelerate business growth across the front office.”
Within an NFL franchise, data is generated across a wide range of activities, including player tracking, video analysis, health and performance monitoring, ticket sales, digital engagement, and sponsorship measurement. The Chief Data & Analytics Officer role centralizes accountability for how these data assets are managed and applied across football and business operations.
From Financial Services to the NFL
Fusillo brings more than 20 years of experience in data, analytics, and business transformation across financial services, consumer goods, manufacturing, professional sports, and analytics services. His career includes senior roles at American Express, the National Football League, General Motors, PepsiCo, and EXL.
Before joining the Jets, Fusillo served as Field Chief Data Officer at EXL, where he worked with enterprise data leaders and chief AI officers across industries. His work focused on data governance, analytics operating models, and the integration of analytics into business processes, with an emphasis on supporting operational decision-making and measurable outcomes.
Earlier in his career, Fusillo held leadership positions at PepsiCo and General Motors, where he led enterprise-wide data initiatives across large, global organizations. These initiatives included building centralized analytics teams, overseeing cloud-based data platforms, and coordinating data programs across marketing, supply chain, finance, and operations. His roles required close collaboration between IT, analytics, and business teams to support consistent reporting and planning.
Fusillo also previously worked at the NFL, where he was involved in data and analytics initiatives supporting league operations.
Key Takeaways
- The New York Jets have created a new executive role to centralise data, analytics, and AI across the organisation.
- Iwao Fusillo will oversee both football operations and front-office business functions under a single data leadership structure.
- The role formalises governance, execution, and alignment of data initiatives that were previously distributed across teams.
- Fusillo brings over two decades of experience across financial services, consumer goods, manufacturing, and professional sports.
- His mandate includes improving on-field performance, fan engagement, and commercial operations through integrated data and AI strategy.