Michael Colella

MSAA Faculty Member Michael Colella

​​Michael N. Colella is a senior global analytics leader at AXS, a live entertainment ticketing partner for more than 500 premier venues, sports teams, and event organizers across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. At AXS, he leads global data and analytics strategy, advancing AI-powered insights, modern data platforms, and monetization frameworks that drive fan engagement and business growth. Previously, Michael served as Chief Data Scientist and Technology Leader at Boston Consulting Group (Gamma), where he led AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics solutions and oversaw Retail Catalyst, a flagship product for retail transformation. He also served as Chief Data Scientist at Upshop, a SaaS platform that optimizes fresh operations, inventory, and omnichannel order management in real time. Michael began his career in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience research under a Department of Defense grant before moving into applied data science. Over the past two decades, he has delivered transformative analytics initiatives across retail, e-commerce, healthcare, and marketing, and advises AI-powered startups on scaling strategies.

Michael holds a BS in psychology and biological sciences from DePaul University, an MA in psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, an MS in applied data science from the University of Chicago, and an MS in technology management from Columbia University. He also completed post-graduate work at Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Northwestern University.

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