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Oana Cheta

PartnerChicago

Leads AI-driven transformation across industries, helping organizations scale innovation, optimize operations, and unlock growth through AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making

Oana leads gen AI for McKinsey Service Operations in North America. A recognized thought leader in AI-enabled decision-making, she empowers organizations to harness the potential of gen AI, advanced analytics, and automation to drive efficiency, ignite innovation, and achieve lasting impact.

Blending deep technical expertise with strategic vision, Oana collaborates with senior leaders to modernize operations, embed AI-driven decision-making, and build future-ready organizations. Her work spans financial services, healthcare, MedTech, and the public sector, where she integrates cutting-edge technology, domain expertise, and actionable insights to redefine operations. Passionate about the transformative power of AI, Oana frequently engages with industry leaders on topics such as digital business building, operational reinvention, and the future of work.

Before joining McKinsey, Oana gained over 15 years of experience leading large-scale AI and digital transformations in regulated industries. Her proven track record includes cocreating and scaling human-centered, data-driven solutions that deliver measurable outcomes.

Known for her commitment to building deep, collaborative relationships, Oana positions herself as a trusted partner rather than just an adviser. By addressing each client’s unique challenges, she develops tailored strategies and insights that drive meaningful, sustainable change.

Published work

How COOs maximize operational impact from gen AI and agentic AI,” McKinsey & Company, March 2025

Generative AI success in contact center starts with knowledge management,” Harvard Business Review, November 2024

From promising to productive: Real results from gen AI in services,” McKinsey & Company, August 2024

Building AI-enabled services,” McKinsey & Company, July 2024

AI mastery in customer care: Raising the bar for quality assurance,” McKinsey & Company, July 2024

Gen AI in customer care: Early successes and challenges,” McKinsey & Company, April 2024 

Past experience

Maximus Inc.
Sr. vice president – performance analytics

Education

Harvard Kennedy School
Master’s, public administration/international development