Trey Connolly’s career has been a journey through the evolving landscapes of data, analytics, and AI, propelling him to the forefront of the industry. Currently Vice President at Digitas, Connolly didn’t follow a straight path to this position; his career has been one of continuous learning, growing technical skills, and shaping data-driven strategies for global brands. His story is a testament to the impact of blending technical depth with a strategic vision.
A Start in Systems Analysis
Connolly’s career took root at Epsilon, where he started as a business systems analyst working on projects for Hilton. This entry point into analytics laid a strong foundation in both the technical and business essentials. “In that position, I worked alongside developers and project managers on database and web projects. I honed my skills in SQL, HTML/JavaScript, and site tagging,” he recalls. Beyond mastering technical skills, Connolly learned the power of clear documentation, creating business requirements documents (BRDs) and solution design references (SDRs) that ensured projects stayed on track and aligned with client goals.
What stood out from the start was Connolly’s unique ability to bridge the gap between technical intricacies and business needs. His early experiences allowed him to translate complex technical insights in ways that made sense to business stakeholders—a skill that would become a cornerstone of his approach as he took on leadership roles.
The Drive to Learn: Merging Marketing and Analytics
Connolly’s hunger for knowledge didn’t stop at technical skills; he pursued an undergraduate degree in Marketing at the University of North Texas, where he discovered the power of articulating ideas and positioning them effectively. As he advanced in his career, he decided to deepen his expertise with an MBA from Colorado State University, focused on Data Analytics.
This educational path was more than just a stepping stone; it was a turning point that equipped him with a mix of marketing savvy and technical knowledge. “Learning more about predictive and prescriptive analytics methods and seeing what other companies were doing in the data science realm was something I wanted to learn first-hand,” Connolly shares. “It was a goal of mine to better understand how analytics has rapidly changed business sectors and gain additional technical knowledge to introduce solutions that could shape business outcomes.” This combination of data science, marketing, and business insight would prove invaluable, enabling him to lead data initiatives that not only met technical demands but also drove strategic results.
Choosing Analytics: A Career of Solving New Challenges
For Connolly, analytics wasn’t just a career choice; it was a calling shaped by a love of discovery and problem-solving. “There’s always a new challenge, problem to solve, or tool to learn,” he says. “All industries need data analytics. The great discoveries of our lifetime will be fueled by it.” It’s this relentless curiosity that keeps him passionate about the field, where the opportunity to turn data into meaningful insights drives his approach to every project. In an industry that’s always shifting, Connolly’s adaptability and thirst for new knowledge have been instrumental in keeping his career dynamic and rewarding.
Mentorship and Leadership: Building Teams with Vision
Beyond his technical acumen, Connolly has built a reputation as a leader who values growth and mentorship. From guiding architects and data analysts to consultants, Connolly fosters a collaborative environment where innovation thrives. Known for encouraging his teams to take ownership, he creates spaces where people feel empowered to drive impactful solutions. His approach is rooted in mentorship, helping team members grow and setting a high standard of excellence that has led to a culture of shared success and continuous improvement.
Career Highlights: Bringing Analytics to Major Brands
Over the years, Connolly has consulted for some of the world’s largest brands, including Samsung, Nissan, Toyota, Goodyear, and Hilton. At Digitas, he currently heads performance analytics for Samsung Mobile North America, where he leads measurement and learning initiatives alongside senior leadership. His goal? To maximize marketing impact across multiple business lines.
Before Digitas, Connolly made an impact at Toyota and Nissan, where he led analytics teams on A/B testing, personalization, and digital transformation at Beyondsoft Consulting. At TBWA and Zimmerman Advertising, he shaped Nissan’s marketing efforts by enhancing analytics tagging and establishing business intelligence reporting. These experiences provided him with insights into how analytics can be leveraged across various industries, refining his vision of data as a strategic driver for business success.
Looking Forward: The Future of Data and AI
Connolly’s vision for analytics is inseparable from the advancements in AI. “We are in the AI age,” he says with conviction. “Data analytics will lead the way in making decisions and predicting the future for companies. The sky is the limit.” He believes that data, when paired with AI, will transform strategic decision-making, allowing businesses to forecast trends, refine operations, and deliver experiences tailored to individual needs. For Connolly, the rapid evolution of AI presents both an exciting challenge and a motivating force, fueling his dedication to shaping the future of analytics.
A Leader to Watch
From his early days at Epsilon to his influential role at Digitas, Trey Connolly’s career highlights the power of integrating technical expertise with strategic thinking. His love for problem-solving, passion for new challenges, and commitment to staying ahead in AI developments make him a true leader in analytics. As data and AI continue to reshape industries, Connolly’s vision and leadership promise to play a significant role in shaping the future of analytics, making him a figure to watch in the years ahead.
