Expanding Capabilities in Modeling and Simulation
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Aimpoint Research®, a global strategic intelligence firm, has promoted Colonel (retired) Ken Gilliam to Vice President of Predictive Analysis to further expand the company’s capabilities in modeling and simulation. In this role, he will work to build systems and tools that fully capture the predictive power of complex data sets.
“We strive to provide our clients a competitive advantage in the marketplace, and we do that by providing them unmatched situational awareness and the ability to look forward into the future,” said Brett Sciotto, Aimpoint Research CEO. “The ability to be predictive is essential and the expertise that Ken brings in both analytics, systems design and modeling will allow us to capture the full power of that capability for the organizations we serve across the agri-food value chain.”
Gilliam joined Aimpoint Research in 2021 as Director of Wargaming and quickly enhanced the company’s wargaming competencies and services to clients. He will continue to lead the team in both wargame design and implementation as a complement to his work in predictive analysis.
“Modeling and simulation help us predict what the future may hold across a wide range of dynamics. Wargaming allows us to overlay complexities on those predictions and take action,” said Gilliam. “Together these tools can be transformational for leaders who are dealing with complex problems in a fast-moving business environment.”
Gilliam brings extensive systems analysis experience from his time in the military, including work on troop mobilization strategies.
“By leveraging models and simulations we were able to deploy the entire U.S. Army thousands of times to test different mobilization options. We tested assumptions, identified bottlenecks, experimented with conditions, and ultimately provided decision-makers with recommendations to make the system even better.”
Gilliam grew up in a farm community in South Georgia surrounded by watermelons, peanuts, cotton, and cattle. After graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he embarked on a 27-year military career in the U.S. Army.
“Models can be useful, but are far better when integrated with the intelligence, research, context, and professional judgment we have resident at Aimpoint Research,” said Gilliam. “I am honored and excited to bring my Army experience to our agri-food clients as they support national security through food security. I view this position as a continuation of service helping clients frame their problems in innovative, actionable ways.”
Immediately prior to joining Aimpoint Research, Gilliam served as the Director of Strategic Wargaming at the U.S. Army War College and was the founding Associate Editor of the Wargaming Room, a U.S. Army War College online journal and podcast. He holds a Master of Science in Operations Research from Georgia Tech, Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College and is a credentialed Assistant Professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Army War College.
Aimpoint Research is a global strategic intelligence firm that specializes in agri-food. Utilizing a blend of military intelligence techniques, market research capabilities, and predictive analytics, the firm provides a competitive advantage to leaders and organizations across the value chain. Driven by the core belief that the success of the agri-food system is essential to U.S. national security, the Aimpoint Research team helps clients understand what’s really happening in the marketplace, what’s going to happen in the future, and what to do to ensure success in that future.
Published April 27, 2022