Boardroom Media (CEO News)
At CEO (Boardroom Media) we track over 1,000,000 startups and over 5,000,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top Chicago based CEO’ operating in the Art space. If you think a CEO’ is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on [email protected].
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Adeel Malik
Chief Executive Officer of Clearstep
While studying finance and neurobiology in undergrad, Adeel spent his time doing neuro-immunology research at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, contributing to several academic publications. After undergrad, Adeel was a strategy & analytics consultant with Accenture for several years where he worked with some of the largest institutions in healthcare across pharma, health tech, health systems, and retail clinics. Adeel’s skillets in healthcare analytics, operations, sales, and his breadth of experience across the healthcare ecosystem enable him to lead Lytic through the complexities of healthcare innovation.
Follow Adeel Malik:
About Clearstep: Clearstep is a platform for health systems to provide a complete and digital front door experience.
Bradley Keywell
Chief Executive Officer of Uptake Technologies
Brad Keywell is a lifelong entrepreneur and co-founder of seven technology companies, a cultural curator of innovation platforms, and a philanthropist. He is the co-founder and CEO of Uptake Technologies, an Industrial AI software platform harnessing predictive analytics to deliver outcomes of increased productivity, reliability, safety, and cybersecurity to global industry. Uptake was named “Startup of the Year” in 2015 by Forbes, was #5 in the 2017 CNBC Disruptor 50, and was named a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum. Brad is a co-founder of Tempus, Groupon (NASDAQ:GRPN), Echo Global Logistics (NASDAQ:ECHO), MediaOcean, Drivin (acquired by NYSE:KAR), and the venture capital firm Lightbank. He is on the Board of Trustees of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR). He is the founder and Chairman of Chicago Ideas, which has grown into one of the largest innovation and ideas gatherings in the world. He is the Chairman of Future Founders Foundation, providing entrepreneurial education to inner-city students in the Chicagoland area. Brad is an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He earned a J.D. at the University of Michigan Law School and a BBA from the University of Michigan School of Business. Brad and his wife, Kim, signed The Giving Pledge in 2016.
Follow Bradley Keywell:
About Chicago Ideas Week, Drivin, Echo Global Logistics, Groupon, Groupon Netherlands, Lightbank, Mediaocean, Uptake Technologies, Zest Health: Uptake Technologies designs and develops enterprise software.
Kayne Grau
Chief Executive Officer of Uptake Technologies
I am in my dream job and serving as CEO and Board DIrector of Uptake. While working with an amazing team, I am refining the company’s products, expanding its global footprint and developing/nurturing a high performing work environment. Previously, I served in various senior executive functions with KAR Global (NYSE: KAR), the acquirer of DRIVIN, a company I co-founded and served as CEO until April 2017. Prior to KAR, I held senior management roles with Music Dealers, Apartments.com, Cars.com, eToys.com, and Allstate. In my free time, I assist various companies as a board member, advisor, and investor.
Follow Kayne Grau:
About Uptake Technologies: Uptake Technologies designs and develops enterprise software.
Stuart Frankel
CEO of Narrative Science
Stuart Frankel founded the company with Kris Hammond and Larry Birnbaum. Prior to Narrative Science, Stuart was President of the Performics division of DoubleClick and was a member of DoubleClick’s senior management team when the company was sold to Google. A lawyer and a CPA, Stuart earned a BS from Miami University and a JD from Vanderbilt.
Follow Stuart Frankel:
About Narrative Science: Narrative Science creates software that writes stories from enterprise data to drive understanding and results.
Shailendra Singh
Founder & CEO of Samya.AI
Shailendra Singh is the Founder & CEO at Samya.ai and the Board Member at MarketsandMarkets.
Follow Shailendra Singh:
About Samya.AI: Samya.AI operates as a revenue growth AI company that brings the power of deep learning.
Steve Olechowski
Founder and CEO of Blinkfire Analytics
Steve Olechowski is Founder and CEO of Blinkfire Analytics.
Follow Steve Olechowski:
About Blinkfire Analytics, Northwestern University: Blinkfire Analytics uses AI and computer vision to optimize the sponsorship marketplace between creators, and their sponsors.
Don Russell
Chairmen, CEO of IndyBuild
Mr. Russell has more than 25 years of experience and a strong track record of success that includes streamlining operations and maximizing productivity. Prior to launching IndyBuild Corp, he served as President and CEO of Piracy Control Technology. Also, Mr. Russell served as Director of Marketing at Rockstar Beverage Corporation. There, Mr. Russell was responsible for researching and understanding product brand study demographics, producing promotions to target key areas, coordinating product breakouts to maximize productivity, and acting as a liaison between various departments. Mr. Russell gained additional experience by serving as the Creative Director of Expo Theatre Productions, where he prepared and presented client presentations and maintained responsibility for hiring independent contractors. He was also the President and Owner of PM Studios for more than five years, while serving as an A&R director at MCA/Universal Music Grou. Mr. Russell attended Columbia College in Chicago and the University of Phoenix – Chicago campus. He has extensive experience as a performer, producer, manager and director in the entertainment industry. He has performed in or directed several notable productions over the past 10 years. Some of his production credits include: • “Riverdance,” where he served as a principal artist • “Satin Suite,” where he performed as headliner on the Olive Garden Theater stage at Walt Disney World • “Broadway Soul Jam,” where he performed in Amsterdam as a headliner in the very popular and successful musical directed by Maurice Hines Mr. Russell’s innovation in the area of musical theater has captured the attention of many great icons such as: • Oprah Winfrey, on whose show Mr. Russell performed • Gregory Hines, with whom he has performed • President Bill Clinton, for whom Mr. Russell performed for at the opening ceremony for the 1996 Democratic National Convention As sole owner of one of California’s premier recording studios, Mr. Russell has had the opportunity to work with such talents as R. Kelly, Dr. Dre, Jamie Fox, Randy Jackson, Common, Kid Rock, Ludacris, Jermaine Dupri, Be Be Winans, Glenn Jones, Al B Sure, Faith Evans, Jon B, The Brat, Onyx, Ideal, 112, Savion Glover, LeVert, The Gap Band, Terrance Howard, Malik Yoba, Brian McKnight, The Nicolas Brothers, Sinbad, Bernie Mac, and Steve Harvey. Mr. Russell has also directed or produced industrials and tradeshows for such companies as Honda, Seagram’s, McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Fujitsu, Nupremis, AMD, Unisys, and IBM.
Follow Don Russell:
About IndyBuild: IndyBuild is a free entertainment industry platform developed to fully showcase creative and performing artists
Eric Lefkofsky
Founder and CEO of Tempus
Eric Lefkofsky is the founder and CEO at Tempus. He is co-founder of Lightbank, a venture fund investing in disruptive technology businesses. He is also the co-founder and Chairman of Groupon (NASDAQ: GRPN), a global e-commerce marketplace, and an early investor in Uptake Technologies, a leading predictive analytics platform for the world’s largest industries; Mediaocean, a leading provider of integrated media procurement technology; Echo Global Logistics (NASDAQ: ECHO), a technology-enabled transportation and logistics outsourcing firm; and InnerWorkings (NASDAQ: INWK), a global provider of managed print and promotional solutions. He co-chairs the Lefkofsky Family Foundation with his wife Liz to advance high-impact initiatives that enhance lives in the communities served. Lefkofsky serves as a Trustee of Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Museum of Science and Industry and World Business Chicago. He is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Lefkofsky is an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago and author of Accelerated Disruption: Understanding the True Speed of Innovation. He graduated from the University of Michigan and received his Juris Doctor at University of Michigan Law School. For more information, visit lefkofsky.com.
Follow Eric Lefkofsky:
About Groupon, Lightbank, Tempus, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Zest Health: Tempus is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
Alex Muller
Co-Founder & CEO of SAVVI
Alex Muller is the Founder of SAVVI AI.
Follow Alex Muller:
About SAVVI: SAVVI AI is a low-code, end-to-end Machine Learning tool, empowering teams to quickly and easily create products that learn.
Siva S
Founder & CEO of Powerupcloud Technologies
Siva is the Founder and CEO of Powerupcloud Technologies – a technology company with a strong focus on building cloud and artificial intelligence solutions. Before starting Powerup, Siva has been VP – Business Development at Minjar Cloud Solutions (a Nutanix Company) and Business Head – Cloud at Progressive Infotech. Siva has tried his hand at entrepreneurship when he was pursuing his MBA in Marketing at LBS, Delhi. Siva started and ran Bookmytees.com – an online custom T-Shirts manufacturer and seller business. Siva had early success with Bookmytees bagging some sizable orders from colleges and SMBs in Delhi – the primary target market for Bookmytees. Siva is a Gold Medalist from LBS, Delhi where he did MBA in Marketing and was awarded the Best Outgoing Student at CIT, Coimbatore where he did B.E in Electronics. Motto: There is no Plan B for Passion. Get out and have a crack.
Follow Siva S:
About L&T Infotech, Powerupcloud Technologies: Powerupcloud is a cloud technology company with product & services in cloud migrations, managed cloud and AI solutions.
Riana Lynn
Founder and CEO of Journey Foods
Riana Lynn is a leader in food innovation, technology, and venture strategy. As a serial entrepreneur, she develops high-growth, nationally recognized technology and food businesses. Scaling a family juice company inspired her to develop FoodTrace, supply chain software that impacts thousands of food businesses across the US and beyond. Riana’s development strategies are pivotal to some of the world’s most innovative food and agriculture startups. She also works with Fortune 500 companies on new innovations. Her accomplishments have been featured on CNBC, Forbes, USA Today, Wired, TechCrunch, INC, Entrepreneur Magazine, Crain’s “20 in their 20s”, among others.
Follow Riana Lynn:
About Journey Foods: Journey Foods solves food science and supply chain inefficiencies with enterprise software to help companies feed 8 billion people better.
Dev Singh
Founder & CEO of AiRo Digital Labs
Dev is the Founder and CEO of AIRO Digital Labs. He brings in Global Business leadership experience of two decades across highly successful executive leadership roles with global technology leaders. A consistent theme across Dev’s career is his well-recognized entrepreneurial ability to take charge of significant business objectives and creatively mobilize large global teams to achieve those goals. Prior to this, Dev served as the President & Chief Sales & Operations Officer for FPT USA, part of a $2Bn technology conglomerate headquartered in Vietnam, Wipro’s GM and Head of BPO Business for HLS (Healthcare, Pharma and Life Sciences), and served as the Managing Director & Americas Sales Head for Dell Services’ Healthcare Providers BU. Prior to these roles he spent almost ten years at Wipro in roles such as Global Head for the GE-Wipro Business as well as North America Head for the Consumer Electronics & Hi-Tech Sector. For around three years he also managed the Central US Business for Wipro Energy, Utilities and Manufacturing Sector and being Wipro’s first-ever BPO Practice Evangelist in UK and continental Europe. Early on in his career, Dev worked with Large Tier-1 Technology companies such as HCL Technologies and TCS across technical and sales roles. During this time Dev has consistently been recognized for his outstanding leadership in the face of tremendous challenges and received several awards such as Best Vertical Leader of the Year, Best Growth Driver, Best Deal of the year, etc. Dev has consistently been recognized for his business acumen, passion and leadership skills and has received several awards and industry recognition during his career. Dev earned his MBA from IIM Lucknow in India and his Bachelors of Engineering from Punjab Engineering College. He is currently based with his family in Chicago, US.
Follow Dev Singh:
About AiRo Digital Labs: AiRo Digital Labs is an emerging tech solutioning company specializing in transforming healthcare ecosystem
Chuck Elias
Co-Founder & CEO of 42Chat
As senior vice president, strategy & corporate development, Chuck Elias works with FBHS operating unit leadership on strategies across a wide range of strategic initiatives. He also leads the company’s corporate development activities, including mergers & acquisitions. Prior to joining FBHS, Chuck served in senior leadership roles at Supervalu, a $35 billion grocery retailer/wholesaler. Most recently, he was Supervalu’s senior vice president of retail operations. Prior to joining Supervalu, Elias was a managing director for portfolio operations at Ridgeview Capital, a private equity firm. He also held several leadership positions at The Home Depot. Elias holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management, with honors, from the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration in Boston.
Follow Chuck Elias:
About 42Chat: 42Chat make AI Chatbots that provide instant answers and personalized connection over regular text (and other channels)
Bobby Reddy, Jr.
CEO & Co-Founder of Prenosis
Bobby has led Prenosis from inception, driving company vision, building the team, securing clinical and strategic partnerships, and raising funds. He has over 12 years of experience in the research and development of early screening technologies for debilitating diseases with a deep understanding of clinical issues. For several years, Bobby has worked intimately with a wide variety of clinical and administrative hospital personnel to comprehensively understand how technology can address the most critical issues they face. He received a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, an M.S. in electrical engineering from the University of California, Irvine, and B.S. degrees in computer engineering and electrical engineering from the University of California, Irvine.
Follow Bobby Reddy, Jr.:
About Prenosis: Transforming clinical diagnosis with predictive intelligence.
John-Isaac Clark
President & CEO of Arturo
Presently, I serve as CEO for Arturo, a deep learning spin-out from a Fortune 500 company focused on delivering insights to the residential and commercial property insurance and commercial real estate sectors. I’ve been a founder, high-tech executive, and technology strategist with a deep start-up background in Geospatial/Location based services, applied machine learning, big data analytics, cloud computing, and highly distributed systems for the last decade of my career. I thrive and excel at taking technology innovations from concept to product to market and successfully managing and exciting teams both small and large to achieve this quickly.
Follow John-Isaac Clark:
About Arturo: Arturo is a deep learning spin-out from a Fortune 500 company focused on delivering highly accurate measurement and predictive data.
Daniel Lee
Chief Executive Officer of Kokomo 24/7
Follow Daniel Lee:
About Kokomo 24/7: Public Safety Cloud Platform with modules – AI-driven Incident Management, Emergency Operation Center, and Anonymous Reporting
Mehdi Bentanfous
CEO North America and CRO Industries of KINEXON
Mehdi Bentanfous is the CEO North America and CRO Industries at KINEXON.
Follow Mehdi Bentanfous:
About KINEXON: Real-time location intelligence for the Internet of Things.
Wendell Jisa
Chief Executive Officer of Reveal
Follow Wendell Jisa:
About Reveal: Reveal is a global provider of eDiscovery, compliance and risk technology.
Ablorde Ashigbi
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of 4Degrees
Follow Ablorde Ashigbi:
About 4Degrees, The World Economic Forum: AI-enabled relationship management platform, built for relationship driven industries.
Anitha Rao
Founder & CEO of Neurocern
Follow Anitha Rao:
About Neurocern: Connecting clinical with financial, an artificial intelligence engine that transforms data into actionable insights
Phil Alexander
Chief Executive Officer, Founder of ConceptDrop
Philip Alexander is the Founder and CEO of Nexus A.I. & ConceptDrop.
Follow Phil Alexander:
About ConceptDrop, Ernst & Young, Nexus A.I.: ConceptDrop matches brands with an invite-only community of creative professionals.
Andi Hadisutjipto
CEO and Co-founder of Riviter
Founder at Riviter
Follow Andi Hadisutjipto:
About Riviter, Xapix: Riviter helps brands see and serve the people who love them with AI- and visual search-powered intelligence from social images and video.
Bradford Folkens
CEO / Co-founder of CloudSight Inc.
Bradford Folkens is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of CloudSight, Inc., a technology company that specializes in image captioning and understanding. Folkens earned his Bachelor of Science in Theoretical Computer Science and Mathematics from Northern Illinois University in 2002. Folkens has owned and operated his own company, CityTech USA, since 2003. CityTech has notably created the web-based collaborative government website PublicSalary.com. While working for Downers Grove, Folkens designed and engineered various web applications for government operations, including online permitting, property management, budgeting (integrated with legacy finance packages), water billing, RFP and procurement. He designed and developed a CMS based website and also set up and managed web application servers running Windows and Gentoo Linux. Folkens performed DBA duties for Oracle 9i-10g and MySQL databases, including initial planning and setup, tuning, and maintenance. Folkens is also the Chief Technical Officer for both Net Ideas, LLC and Image Searcher, Inc. where his primary tasks are overseeing all technical aspects of app development. He is also directly involved with software engineering, iOS programming and web development. Folkens specializes in web application development in Ruby on Rails, High performance MySQL, Gentoo Linux, Mac OS X and most recently native iOS development.
Follow Bradford Folkens:
About CityTech USA, CloudSight Inc., CloudSight Inc.: CloudSight’s mission is to make AI see.
Jason Smith
Co-founder & CEO of rMark Bio
Follow Jason Smith:
About rMark Bio: rMark Bio delivers intelligence solutions to the life science industry.
Derek Foster
Founder & CEO of Etyon Health
Follow Derek Foster:
About Etyon Health, StartUp Health: Healthcare experts that build purpose-driven algorithmic services powered with A.I. for automating healthcare big-data analysis.
Max Markovtsev
Founder & CEO of ORYX RESEARCH GROUP
Max is a researcher, futurist, marketer and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. He spent half of that time managing major international and domestic client accounts (P&G, Unilever, Wrigley, Nestle, NMFN, USMC, etc), as well as leading integrated strategy and business intelligence for the top three world’s ad agencies. At the age of 19 he helped launch Leo Burnett’s operations in Russia, managing the entire P&G account and pioneering local TV production with highly acclaimed commercials for Tide, Vidal Sassoon, Vicks and the P&G’s local cleaning brand Myth. After moving to the U.S. the following year, he managed domestic P&G Cheer and Luvs accounts for Leo Burnett Chicago, Wrigley International for BBDO and later led strategy and business intelligence for J. Walter Thompson’s digital division in North America. He then proceeded to operate and exit an international marketing consultancy and later founded Purple Orange, a boutique marketing agency focusing on brand identity and public relations, as well as using AI for marketing and PR integration. As of late, Max decided to proceed full time with his life long passion for anthropology and evolutionary studies and founded Oryx Research Group in November 2019.
Follow Max Markovtsev:
About ORYX RESEARCH GROUP, Purple Orange: Anthropological and Evolutionary Research
Marc Gyongyosi
Founder & CEO of Intelligent Flying Machines, Inc.
Follow Marc Gyongyosi:
About Intelligent Flying Machines, Inc.: Intelligent Flying Machines develops systems that maximize inventory accuracy and unleash productivity in the workforce.
Trilliam Jeong
Founder & CEO of WealthBlock
Trilliam is the CEO and founder of WealthBlock. Between 2012 and early 2018, Trilliam served as Lead Quantitative Analyst building the first quant team in the Market Regulation department of the National Futures Association. Meanwhile, Trilliam managed his own hedge fund, Aura Value International LLC, based on his proprietary quantitative-value model turning 300K initial investment to $1MM. Before NFA, Trilliam obtained his master’s degree in financial mathematics from the University of Chicago and another master’s degree in applied mathematics from Queens College, CUNY.
Follow Trilliam Jeong:
About WealthBlock: WealthBlock is a technology firm that helps people take control of their financial future.
Charlie Connor
Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer of Heretik
Charlie Connor is a Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer at Heretik.
Follow Charlie Connor:
About Heretik: Heretik is a Chicago-based software company using machine learning to make the contract review process easier and smarter.
Drew Stern
Founder & Co-CEO of Esquify
Drew Stern is an accomplished technology executive and entrepreneur with a portfolio of distinguished experience growing successful start-ups and creating, managing and growing strategic partnerships for Fortune 100 companies. Drew has held leadership, strategy and new product development roles at Salesforce, Buddy Media, American Express and Sprout Social. He has created and negotiated marquee partnership deals with the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Google and LinkedIn as well as led the international acquisition of Social.com (formerly BrighterOption). Drew’s business efforts have led directly to increased company valuation, new revenue and customer success. As a leader in the tech world, Drew’s broad-based background includes strategy, marketing, business development, general management, revenue growth and team building. Drew received his MBA in General Management, Strategy and Marketing from NYU Stern School of Business and his B.A., cum laude, from Tufts University.
Follow Drew Stern:
About Esquify: Esquify is a software company that provides AI automation workforce management solutions for legal review.
Levi Wilcox
Founder & CEO of Traekam
Levi has garnered 8+ years of experience in the Music Industry as a Tour Director, Lighting Designer, Music Producer, and Artist Broker. Clients include Multi-Platinum & Grammy Nominated Artist affiliated with Universal Music Group, Atlantic Records, and RCA Records. Prior to launching the technology arm, Levi worked as the senior partner and co-founder of LW Sound – an audio production company that has worked alongside A-list artists & celebrities and blue chip brands across multiple international markets. Fast forward to date, Levi has been able to leverage his passions as a Business Development and Digital Strategy consultant in supporting clients globally as they bring their ideas and visions to life.
Follow Levi Wilcox:
About Traekam: Musician A.I. Digital Twins that personalize each fan’s journey, engagement, and conversation.
Andre Gieniec
Chief Executive Officer of Hyperlocal
Follow Andre Gieniec:
About Hyperlocal: Event Intelligence Platform
Joe Stecher
CEO of TackleAI
Follow Joe Stecher:
About TackleAI: TackleAI is an algorithms and neural network that automatically discover data on any type of document or image.
Ross Petersen
Co-Founder, CEO of Blitsy
Ross Petersen is the Co-Founder at Blitsy.
Follow Ross Petersen:
About Blitsy: Blitsy is where creative people shop online.
Katie Armour
Founder, CEO of Buddy Editions
Follow Katie Armour:
About Buddy Editions: Buddy Editions is an online art gallery that introduces enthusiastic collectors to emerging artists around the globe.
Robert Gerovski
Founder, CEO/CTO of Quiddity Solutions, LLC.
Senior executive with experience in developing business, product, and IT strategies. Recognized for enabling new strategic directions, improving business performance, building strong partnerships across all organizational areas, strengthening operations, building external alliances, and developing innovative new products for companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 50 companies. Reputation for harnessing and refocusing the talent within troubled organizations to achieve optimum performance levels.
Follow Robert Gerovski:
About Quiddity Solutions, LLC.: Healthcare IT Software to calculate provider cost, patient cost, and payer reimbursements in real-time, at the point of treatment planning.
Asha Patel
CEO & Co-Founder of Juvle
Follow Asha Patel:
About Juvle: Using artificial intelligence & machine learning, Juvle helps parents discover kids’ classes and events in every city and every town.
Scott Kartsounes
Co-Founder & CEO of Intelligence
Scott Kartsounes is Co-Founder & CEO at Intelligence.
Follow Scott Kartsounes:
About Intelligence: Intelligence is a Competitive Intelligence from Wall Street
