I am Besim Ismaili, a technology leader specializing in Solution Architecture, Data Engineering, and AI-powered analytics. Over the past two decades I have designed and delivered scalable BI, Big Data, and data science platforms that align with strategic business goals, using Azure-based data platforms (Data Factory, Synapse), Power BI, and a range of ETL and data-visualization tools. I have built SaaS solutions, advised startups and listed companies, and led cross-functional teams across Europe and Asia to turn complex data into actionable insights. I am passionate about applying AI to grow B2B sales and optimize operations, with a focus on governance and responsible data practices. As a board-certified CTO and author on data strategy, I combine deep technical expertise with product and go-to-market experience to help organizations scale and compete globally.…

Besim Ismaili

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I am Besim Ismaili, a technology leader specializing in Solution Architecture, Data Engineering, and AI-powered analytics. Over the past two decades I have designed and delivered scalable BI, Big Data, and data science platforms that align with strategic business goals, using Azure-based data platforms (Data Factory, Synapse), Power BI, and a range of ETL and data-visualization tools. I have built SaaS solutions, advised startups and listed companies, and led cross-functional teams across Europe and Asia to turn complex data into actionable insights. I am passionate about applying AI to grow B2B sales and optimize operations, with a focus on governance and responsible data practices. As a board-certified CTO and author on data strategy, I combine deep technical expertise with product and go-to-market experience to help organizations scale and compete globally.…

Available to hire

I am Besim Ismaili, a technology leader specializing in Solution Architecture, Data Engineering, and AI-powered analytics. Over the past two decades I have designed and delivered scalable BI, Big Data, and data science platforms that align with strategic business goals, using Azure-based data platforms (Data Factory, Synapse), Power BI, and a range of ETL and data-visualization tools. I have built SaaS solutions, advised startups and listed companies, and led cross-functional teams across Europe and Asia to turn complex data into actionable insights.

I am passionate about applying AI to grow B2B sales and optimize operations, with a focus on governance and responsible data practices. As a board-certified CTO and author on data strategy, I combine deep technical expertise with product and go-to-market experience to help organizations scale and compete globally.

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Skills

Experience Level

Azure
Expert
Data Science
Expert
Data Visualization
Expert
ETL
Expert
Microsoft Office
Expert
Microsoft SQL
Expert
Power BI
Expert
SQL
Expert
Python
Expert
Tableau
Expert
R
Expert
Snowflake
Expert
.NET
Intermediate
Hadoop
Intermediate
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Language

Norwegian
Fluent
English
Fluent
Albanian
Fluent
Macedonian
Advanced
Croatian
Intermediate
Swedish
Intermediate

Work Experience

Data Integration & Platform Architect at Helseplattformen
April 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Integrated legacy municipal systems into Epic; managed data extraction and error correction for NPR and KPR ensuring data quality and regulatory compliance.
Data Warehouse Architect / Lead at FHI (Norwegian Institute of Public Health) – LMR Datavarehus
April 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022
Designed and built LMR data warehouse; delivered BeredtC19 data related to Covid-19 to analysts and government; built data pipelines from LIMS, PIMS, ERP, GL, NPR, KPR; implemented MDM, data modeling and CI/CD workflows.
Oil & Gas Data Processing Lead at Cognite AS (Data Fusion projects)
November 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021
Led data processing and ETL for Oil & Gas; planning, data management, and migration using Cognite Data Fusion; built data pipelines and dashboards.
PoT Project Lead – People Data at IKEA International
October 1, 2020 - June 1, 2021
PoT project to engineer data from HR sources, profile data, ensure integrity and quality; loaded data into GCP BigQuery and built BI visualizations.
Atlas Data Platform Architect at Confidential – Atlas Data Platform
December 1, 2019 - September 30, 2020
Led private Azure-based data platform development; central to data warehouse, data lake, and self-service BI initiatives; integrated multiple sources (LIMS, PIMS, ERP, CRM, SAP, AVEVA, Synergi, Kahuna).
Ruter – Ticket Inspection Analytics at Ruter
November 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Short engagement to build reporting foundation for ticket inspection analytics; incorporated costs by vendor pricing models and enhanced analytics capabilities.
The ViT – Enterprise Data Warehouse Tech Lead at The ViT
April 1, 2019 - March 1, 2021
Led architecture and development of an enterprise data warehouse using Data Vault concepts; integrated ~20 data sources; planned on-prem SQL Server and Azure-based warehouse; enabled dashboards and self-service BI.
Senior Business Intelligence Consultant/Data Scientist – MS BI / Azure ML at GroupM AS
October 31, 2016 - August 22, 2025
Architected and built the Nordic Enterprise Datawarehouse for cross-media data integration incorporating third-party sources. Developed solutions using Microsoft BI stack including SSIS, SSAS, MDM, Tableau, Qlik, and Power BI. Supported the expansion of the solution to the Netherlands, implemented CI/CD processes, and rebuilt SSAS models from Multidimensional to Tabular on Azure cloud.
Co-founder & CTO / Data Scientist at ELA Analytics AS
October 1, 2016 - Present
Co-founded ELA Analytics; led development of data platforms and AI-enabled solutions, delivering end-to-end data architecture, ESG intelligence, financial analytics, and agentic AI systems for clients; built SaaS and consulting offerings; spearheaded Azure-based data solutions.
Senior Business Intelligence Consultant/Data Scientist – MS BI /Azure ML at GroupM AS
October 1, 2016 - August 22, 2025
Led the build of an Enterprise Data Warehouse for Nordic media agencies, integrating Marathon data and other third-party data sources. Developed and transitioned BI solutions to Azure cloud, re-building SSAS cubes and automating CI/CD pipelines. Built Power BI and Tableau reports, supporting media benchmarking and business analytics.
Co-founder and CTO/Data Scientist at ELA AS/ELA Analytics AS
October 1, 2016 - Present
Co-founded a company that creates data products from global and open data sources to help businesses with external market data. Leading consulting services, platform development, and product innovation including projects like Numus (personal finance and wealth management platform) and EcoSphere (ESG decision support tool). Delivered data platform projects involving Azure technologies, Power BI, SQL, Python, and cloud-based CI/CD pipelines for clients including Ruter, Baneservice, NRVA, GK, and others.
Co-founder and CTO/Data Scientist at ELA AS / ELA Analytics AS
October 1, 2016 - Present
Leading innovative data solutions for ELA AS and its spin-off ELA Analytics AS, focusing on data products from global and open data sources to serve specific business needs. Responsible for building the internal project Numus, a personal finance and wealth management platform recognized with innovation awards and operating on a tech stack of React, Python, MySQL, Azure ML, Microsoft Fabric, and Power BI. Also leading EcoSphere, a sustainability decision-making tool funded by the Research Council of Norway. Delivered multiple scaled client engagements involving architecture, data modelling, ETL, and BI solutions across sectors including transportation, healthcare, public health, retail, and finance using technologies like Snowflake, SAP BODS, Azure Data Factory, Power Platform, and SQL Server with CI/CD pipelines.
Senior BI Consultant / Senior Data Architect at GroupM Nordic
October 1, 2015 - October 1, 2016
Led cross-medial enterprise data warehouse (Mediacom, MEC, Maxus); migrated to Azure; built Power BI and Tableau dashboards; implemented CI/CD and MDM across Nordic region.
Senior Business Intelligence (MS BI) Consultant/Data Scientist at Steria AS
May 31, 2015 - August 22, 2025
Developed enterprise-wide BI solutions with Microsoft BI tools including SSIS, SSAS, SSRS, and T-SQL. Migrated ETL processes from Informatica to SSIS to reduce licensing costs. Engaged in data mining and predictive analytics projects using R and Python. Collaborated closely with business units to translate requirements into dimensional data models, OLAP cubes, and reports.
Senior Business Intelligence Consultant/Data Scientist at Steria AS
May 1, 2015 - August 22, 2025
Implemented and managed business intelligence solutions using Microsoft BI tools including SSIS, SSAS, and SSRS. Designed ETL and reporting processes, developed OLAP cubes, and assisted in migration from Informatica to SSIS to reduce costs. Applied data mining and machine learning techniques with tools such as R and Python to predict business outcomes.
Senior MS BI Developer/Data Analyst at Nordic Choice Hotels ASA
April 30, 2014 - August 22, 2025
Designed and implemented BI architecture and MDM strategies to support hospitality KPIs. Developed scalable OLAP cubes handling fact tables with hundreds of millions of rows. Used SSIS, T-SQL, Excel, Alteryx, and SAS for data aggregation, reporting, and visualization with Power BI and Tableau. Responsible for deployment, debugging, security configuration, and maintaining OLAP database servers.
Senior MS BI Developer/Data Analyst at Nordic Choice AS
April 1, 2014 - August 22, 2025
Responsible for the design and development of BI data warehouse solutions, supporting decision making with KPIs for hospitality business. Developed OLAP cubes, reports, and dashboards on large multidimensional datasets. Managed data integration and quality for a variety of enterprise systems using the MS BI suite.
Senior MS BI Developer / Data Analyst at Nordic Choice Hotels ASA
May 1, 2010 - April 1, 2014
Developed enterprise BI solutions, data architecture, MDM, ETL, and OLAP cubes; designed KPI frameworks and dashboards for hospitality operations.
Consultant Internship in ECM/MSBI at Capgemini Norway AS
August 31, 2009 - August 22, 2025
Implemented Microsoft BI solutions as the company specialist in SSAS data modeling and MDX queries. Developed ETL processes, reports, and OLAP cubes with SSIS, DMX, and SSRS for various client projects, including compliance and data analysis initiatives.
Consultant Internship in ECM/MSBI at Capgemini Norway AS
August 1, 2009 - August 22, 2025
Specialized in Microsoft Business Intelligence implementations focusing on SSAS data modeling and MDX query development. Participated in compliance projects and BI applications involving OLAP technology, ETL pipelines and reporting.
Consultant – ECM/MSBI at Capgemini Norge AS
January 1, 2009 - August 1, 2009
Internship focusing on MS BI and DWH implementations; SSAS data modeling; MDX; SSIS design; OLAP/MDM and reporting using SSRS.
Data Architect / Lead Automation (IOSS) at Ruter
May 1, 2004 - February 28, 2005
Designed, architected and built automated processes for the IOSS department, including automated delay processing, operator communications, and real-time data flows. Implemented event-driven architecture, data integration and standardization.

Education

Bachelor Degree in Computer Science at University of Pristina
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2005
Professional Education in Big Data and Data Science (Industrial Degree) at MIT
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014
5-year degree program, Department of Computer Science at University of Pristina
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2005
Professional Education program in Big Data and Data Science (Industrial Degree) at MIT (USA)
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
Bachelor of Computer Science at University of Pristina, Kosovo
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2005
Big Data and Data Science - Professional Education at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
OOP in C++ and TCP/IP at Polytechnic University of Catalonia (Academic Training Association) – Pristina
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2002
Electromagnetic Compatibility at Concordia University (Held in Pristina)
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2002
Artificial Intelligence at Vienna University of Technology
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2003
TOEFL Intensive Preparation Course at Arizona State University (Held in Pristina)
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2003
CS50X/CS50 Courses in Computer Science at MIT/Harvard/Stanford/UC Berkeley/EdX Coursera
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2013

Qualifications

Board Certificate from Board Company
January 11, 2030 - August 22, 2025
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) SQL 2008 Business Intelligence
January 11, 2030 - August 22, 2025
Microsoft Certified Professional
January 11, 2030 - August 22, 2025
Certified in Advanced Google Analytics
January 11, 2030 - August 22, 2025
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) SQL 2008 Business Intelligence
January 11, 2030 - August 22, 2025
Microsoft Certified Professional
January 11, 2030 - August 22, 2025
Microsoft .Net Framework Foundation course
January 11, 2030 - August 22, 2025
Certified in Advanced Google Analytics
January 11, 2030 - August 22, 2025
Board Certificate from Board Company
January 11, 2030 - August 22, 2025
Microsoft MCTS SQL 2008
January 11, 2030 - May 21, 2026
Board Certificate (Board Company)
January 11, 2030 - May 21, 2026
Author – Data Science for Digital Mavericks
January 11, 2030 - May 21, 2026

Industry Experience

Financial Services, Healthcare, Transportation & Logistics, Retail, Professional Services, Government, Software & Internet, Energy & Utilities, Media & Entertainment
    Project0

    We build what comes before the product
    Architecture, infrastructure, and the technical decisions that shape everything after. Visit us: https://www.twine.net/signin

    App Development
    Native and cross-platform mobile apps for iOS and Android. Smooth UI, reliable performance, and scalable architecture.

    Backend & Cloud
    Scalable APIs, secure authentication, observability, and automation. Infrastructure that grows with you.

    AI & Machine Learning
    Custom models, LLM integrations, and intelligent automation. From prototype to production-ready AI systems.

    Design & UI/UX
    User research, interface design, and prototyping. Products that look great and work even better.

    Digital Growth
    Growth strategy, performance marketing, SEO, and creative content that drives real business results.

    Consulting
    Architecture audits, cost optimization, security reviews, and technical strategy for complex projects.

    Our Work
    Trusted by Industry Leaders
    10+ years delivering systems that run at scale

    We have worked with 20+ clients across Scandinavia, building and maintaining the backend systems, mobile applications, and cloud infrastructure behind some of the region’s most recognized brands.

    ELA Analytics Projects

    ELA Analytics is a premier IT consulting and outsourcing company specializing in comprehensive data solutions. Based in Oslo, Norway, we combine Nordic innovation with global best practices to deliver transformative results.

    From traditional business intelligence to cutting-edge AI implementations, we partner with organizations to unlock the full potential of their data assets and drive sustainable competitive advantage.

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    Agela - www.agela.ai

    Agela is an AI-driven platform and project focused on building autonomous, agentic artificial intelligence solutions that can take on real work on behalf of users and organisations. It deploys agentic AI systems — intelligent software entities that don’t just respond to queries but can autonomously execute multi-step workflows, make decisions, and adapt in real time to changing conditions and goals.

    In practice, Agela’s technology aims to act as a next-generation digital workforce: instead of static tools or simple assistants, its AI agents operate with goal-oriented autonomy, handling complex sequences of tasks across systems, reducing manual effort and enabling organisations to streamline processes and scale operations with less human oversight.

    More about Agela, visit: https://www.twine.net/signin

    This means Agela isn’t just about generating outputs on request — it’s about intelligent automation and autonomous action, moving beyond classic AI assistants toward systems that can perceive, plan, act, and adapt to deliver real outcomes.

    Numus
    Numus is an AI-driven personal finance and wealth platform that unifies budgeting, spending insights, investment tracking, and financial health benchmarking. The system automatically categorizes transactions, visualizes long-term trends, compares users to similar financial personas, and provides tailored recommendations to improve savings, reduce costs, and grow wealth. Built for individuals seeking full control of their money with intelligent, data-driven guidance.…
    Ecosphere Data platform
    Ecosphere is building an AI-powered ESG reporting platform to simplify compliance with global standards (CSRD, GRI, TCFD, SASB, CDP). We have support from the Research Council of Norway (SkatteFUNN) and are in dialogue for an Innovation Contract with Innovation Norway. Backed by private investors, we hold multiple Letters of Intent from key industry players. Our solution offers automated data integration, benchmarking, and multi-standard reporting through a unified ESG data model and reporting engine. Prototype is ready: https://www.twine.net/signin Team includes experts in AI, data science, and sustainability. video explainervideo…