Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business recently named Kyle Hofer, former director of business analytics at Insight Investments, as director of the university’s new Master of Science in business analytics program. Hofer began his position at Cal Poly on May 2.

The program, to begin in the fall, will focus on data analysis as a key decision-making business tool in the data-driven economy.

“We are thrilled to welcome an industry veteran to lead our program at such an important time,” said Sanjiv Jaggia, associate dean for graduate programs in the college. “The demand for
professionals with business analytics experience is overwhelming, and Kyle will be essential in connecting our students to our industry partners who need this kind of expertise.”

Hofer will be responsible for recruiting, admitting and supporting students. He will also build relationships with industry partners as a way to identify and offer real-world projects for students’ culminating experiences in the program.

Hofer brings a strong financial-metrics background to the director position, along with an ability to communicate complex data analysis, business-to-technical requirements, and operational objectives to a range of audiences. He earned an MBA from Pepperdine University and a bachelor’s degree in finance from CSU Fullerton. He had more than 10 years of experience at Insight Investments.