As Head of Data Science, Kristin Foster leads a team of more than 250 data scientists focused on researching, developing and deploying customer-first science in grocery retail, insights, customer loyalty and media. By partnering with Sales, Product and Engineering teams, her team creates products and solutions with prescriptive science at the point of decision to drive informed business decisions for The Kroger Co. and its CPG partners.

Foster has held many leadership positions at 84.51° over the past 11 years and her passion is around building empowered data science teams focused on solving unique and challenging customer problems. Named to Progressive Grocer’s “Top Women in Grocery” in 2021, Foster also leads the 84.51° Chicago office, where she is responsible for increasing head count by more than 250 associates over the next five years.

Prior to joining the company in 2011, Foster had a four-year stint at Mintel International, where she collaborated with clients to create analytical products and solutions regarding marketing and competitive intelligence in the financial services, travel, telecommunications and insurance domains. She began her career at Marsh as a Marketing Analyst, reporting marketing campaign results and providing insights on current and potential customers.

Foster holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Iowa.