For someone who enjoys solving puzzles, working in data and analytics offers the perfect kind of challenge. Figuring out how a group of international companies can align on a data and AI strategy that works across the board – and does so in a way that is technically sound, legally compliant, and ethically responsible – is what motivates Surabhi Chauhan every day. It’s a challenge that calls for creativity, cleverness, and curiosity. Meet Surabhi, Data & AI Governance Manager at Ahold Delhaize.
A curious beginning
Engineering or medicine Growing up in India, I found that you’re typically faced with two main career options: engineering or medicine. That’s pretty much the way to go. I was always fascinated by how systems, models or structures work and could spend hours thinking about how to build, implement or improve them. So engineering felt like the better fit. My older sister went into medical science, my younger sister became an engineer too. I think it’s fair to say we made our parents proud.
Broadening the scope After completing my bachelor’s in Electronics and Communications Engineering and working as a Quality Engineer, I wanted to broaden my perspective. So I decided to pursue an MBA in Information Management. I then joined Deloitte’s Consulting practice, where I worked for about four years. I loved the energy, the pace, and the exposure to different industries. During the last two years, I worked out of Deloitte’s Los Angeles office, which was a great experience. But when COVID hit, everything shifted. My partner, now husband, was already working in the Netherlands, so I decided to move here, too.
Time to reflect I didn’t jump into a new job right away, but used the first few months to settle into life in the Netherlands and reflect on where I wanted my career to go. Eventually, I joined a relatively smaller consulting firm. One of their clients was Ahold Delhaize, and that’s how I first got to know the company. When a role opened up as Data Governance Manager, I decided to go for it.
Defining Data
Game- and name changer When I started this role in January 2024, the title was still ‘Data Governance Manager’. Recently, we added ‘and AI’ – a natural consequence of AI’s incredible rise and the growing need for a clear strategy for integrating AI alongside data management within the company.
Building connections In the first six months, I focused on getting to know our various brands and building strong relationships with everyone involved. It took a good amount of time to establish meaningful connections with the right people. I work closely with the Data Management Offices (DMOs) of our brands throughout Europe and the United States. Collaborating with such diverse teams and cultures is one of the aspects that makes this job so engaging. Taking the time to nurture these connections has proven invaluable in my daily work.
The ‘how’ and the ‘why’ As a global company, we work with vast amounts of data – ranging from customer insights and shopping trends to supply chain efficiency, inventory optimization, and operational performance across all our brands. Our brands aim to actively maximize the potential of AI to enhance the customer experience and improve operational efficiency. But knowing which data can be used and more importantly, identifying the risks involved with data models or AI solutions depends on many factors. Local laws and regulations, of course, but also market-specific challenges, the brand’s data maturity levels, and competitive dynamics.
My role is to translate our overarching data and AI governance strategy into clear, actionable policies, requirements, and standard processes that the local brands can follow. While we provide this framework, much of the detailed process work happens within the brands themselves to suit their unique ways of working. This approach allows them to use data and AI effectively while staying responsible, relevant, and future-proof.
Three of a kind The Group Data & AI Office consists of three members: my manager, my peer, and myself. While my manager focuses on setting the group-wide strategy and outlook on data and AI governance, my role is to operationalize these policies by translating them into tangible processes and requirements. My colleague specializes in defining the policy framework. We work really well together, each bringing a unique perspective. I contribute a consulting mindset, my colleague offers an auditing background, and our manager brings over ten years of experience at Ahold Delhaize. Sometimes our perspectives lead us in different directions, which I actually consider one of our core strengths – it always results in the best outcome.
Ahold Delhaize in one word If I had to describe Ahold Delhaize’s culture in one word, it would be ‘forward-looking’. There’s a constant drive to stay ahead, whether it’s about anticipating change, embracing innovation, or finding smarter ways to work. I would also add ‘collaborative’ as a close second. We all share a common long-term vision and goal: to serve our customers better. Along the way, we give and receive constant feedback, support, and pushback to make sure we achieve that goal.
Finding balance at home
Beautiful Almere When I moved to the Netherlands in 2020, my husband, Chirayu, and I initially lived in Amsterdam. I loved the city, but during COVID, when we both worked from home, we started craving more space. That’s when we decided to move to Almere. It’s just a half-hour from Amsterdam, yet it feels like a different world. It took a while to adjust, but I’ve grown to really appreciate the town and the surrounding nature. That said, Amsterdam still has a special place in my heart.
Being outside Living close to nature gives me the chance to enjoy it more often, which really reenergizes me. I like to think of myself as a runner, but some days even five kilometers feels like a stretch. Twice a week, I take boxing classes. It’s a great way to channel my energy while maintaining my agility and mobility. I also enjoy playing badminton occasionally and meditate quite regularly to keep my mind balanced.
Be you and be balanced I know this is one of the company’s key values. But let’s be honest: not every company truly lives by its values. Last year, I had a bit of a personal emergency at home. Even though I was still new to the company, my manager was incredibly supportive and made sure I could prioritize my family and well-being. That’s not something you can always expect when you’re new. I’m truly grateful for the support I received. During that time, I was traveling frequently between India and Amsterdam. It’s one thing to hear about company policies, but experiencing that support in real life means so much more.
Name: Surabhi Chauhan (1989)
Started working at Ahold Delhaize: January 2024
Education: MBA Information Management, SPJIMR Mumbai (2017)
BE Electronics and Communications Engineering, Uttarakhand State University (2011)
Living with: My husband, Chirayu, in Almere – a city surrounded by nature that feels like home
Wake me up in the middle of the night for: A spontaneous weekend getaway to nature, ideally the mountains
Favorite holiday destination: Anywhere in the mountains, especially Austria in the summer
Life-changing event: Moving to the Netherlands
Best advice I’ve ever received: ‘Be sincere, be content with your effort, as long as you always put your heart into it’
