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Vector Databases are hot! Outside of large language models (LLMs), vector databases are swiftly becoming one of the most exciting areas for investment by private equity. In this article, we will dig into why this is the key tech making LLMs useful to the Enterprise and something C-suite needs to have a high-level understanding of.
Ken Piddington
CIO
US Silica
Education, Leadership & Affiliations
Professional Biography
Ken Piddington is a transformational, global business technology executive who creates a strategic vision and mission, positioning to scale, and driving initiatives that enable high business growth. Strategist who builds deep trust within IT organization, fostering collaborative, open, and trusting environment focused on problem-solving, innovation, and continuous improvement. Ken is an innovative change agent and CEO partner with a strong legacy in all business cycles, including high growth, business transformation, mergers and acquisitions integration, and an entrepreneurial spirit. He is a strategic business partner who leverages emerging technology solutions across multi-industry verticals – logistics, retail, manufacturing, oil and gas, and consulting to accelerate the pace of bottom-line results. As an award-winning thought leader and published author, he is respected for game changing industry contributions, and his passion for talent development and customer satisfaction.
Currently, Ken leads as the Vice President and CIO at U.S. Silica. He is responsible for defining and executing its business technology strategy and leading its digital transformation initiatives.
Ken previously served as CIO for Global Partners LP, SGR Energy, and MRE Consulting. At each company, he contributed to tremendous growth and transformation. He actively participated in Global Partners’ revenue growth from $6 billion to $20 billion in four years. SGR Energy had 1700% revenue growth, and the company was named Houston’s fastest-growing privately held company by the Houston Business Journal. While at MRE, Ken turned an internal project into a marketable, adding a new revenue stream for the company.
Ken serves on the Quest Oracle User Community’s board of directors and is a board member with the Friends of Energy Institute, supporting the Energy Institute High School. Ken is also an Advisory Board member for the CIO Executive Council and a mentor in their leadership development program.
In 2022 Ken received the Houston CIO of the Year Orbie award. He has been named a Computerworld Premier 100 Technology leader, is a CIO100 award winner, and has twice been recognized as an InformationWeek 500 Top Technology Innovator. Ken is recognized as an industry thought leader, a regular speaker at business and association conferences, and featured in multiple media publications.
Ken holds a Bachelor of Science in Management & Leadership from Northeastern University and attended Graceland College, where he played football and baseball. Today, Ken makes Houston, Texas, his home.
