David Thomas, MBA

Dave Thomas is a veteran technology executive, software architect, and AI strategist with deep experience leading enterprise transformation through emerging technologies. He currently serves as VP AI and is a Distinguished Engineer at Upside, where he drives the design and development of AI systems across a large-scale consumer retail platform. His work includes semantic search, generative AI, agent-based workflows, and AI-enabled developer productivity.

Previously, Dave has led product and engineering organizations at Meta, Indeed, Xpanse, SolarWinds, and multiple venture-backed startups. He has built platforms from zero to scale, guided organizations through rapid growth, and held executive accountability for technology strategy, product development, and their impact on business outcomes.

Dave holds an MBA with Honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and graduated summa cum laude from Syracuse University, where he studied computer graphics. He is also an active writer and speaker on AI strategy, organizational adoption, talent evolution, and the practical realities of scaling AI in the enterprise.

Dave lives in San Diego, CA, and is an avid swimmer with a strong emphasis on rescue swimming and deep-water training—disciplines that reinforce calm decision-making and physical resilience in high-stress environments. He is a third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which he has taught for more than two decades. His interests also include fitness, nutrition, and military history.