Vikas Hegde
Background and experience
Vikas is a leader in ZS’s AI practice. His work helps healthcare organizations apply generative AI and machine learning to complex business and operational challenges across pharma, biotech, healthcare distribution and provider organizations. He currently leads the AI service line within ZS’s supply chain and manufacturing practice.
His experience spans commercial, R&D and operations functions, as well as work with enterprise AI and technology teams. In commercial, Vikas has led work in patient event prediction modeling, customer targeting and promotion response modeling, go-to-market strategy simulations, omnichannel personalization and next best action. In R&D, he has delivered clinical trial feasibility and site selection solutions, as well as clinical trial design intelligence solutions. In manufacturing and supply chain, his work includes demand forecasting and inventory optimization, manufacturing deviation prediction and batch outcome prediction.
Vikas has led product teams and implemented production-grade AI solutions across a wide range of domains. He has also led teams in building agentic and generative AI applications, including retrieval-augmented AI assistants and agentic solutions for deviations management, batch release review, regulatory document authoring, agentic trial site selection and sales force precall planning. Beyond solution delivery, Vikas advises clients on AI strategy, governance and prioritization, operating models, AI-augmented process reimagination and AI technology strategy to help organizations move from isolated pilots to enterprise-scale AI capabilities.
Education
Bachelor of Technology in mechanical engineering, National Institute of Technology, Surathkal
MBA, India School of Business