The role now
The Chief Data Officer role has widened. Many organisations now give the same person data governance, analytics, data platforms and the rules for how AI is used, so the title is increasingly Chief Data and AI Officer.
The job sits between technology, risk and the business. It is judged on whether people can find and trust the data they need, and whether AI is used where it helps and kept out where it shouldn’t be.
Hiring a Chief Data and AI Officer: settle these first
Is this a governance role or a delivery role?
Some organisations need someone to set policy and standards. Others need someone to build the platform and the team. Very few candidates are equally strong at both.
Who owns AI?
Decide whether the role owns AI policy, AI delivery, both, or neither, and how it works with the CIO, CISO and legal.
Where does the role sit?
Reporting to the CIO, the COO or the CEO changes how much authority the role has over the business units that own the data.
Stepping up to Chief Data and AI Officer
Heads of data, analytics and data engineering who step up usually need to show they can change how the business uses data, not only run a good data team.
Lead a cross-business data or AI decision, get close to the risk function, and be the person who explains data trade-offs to executives.
The techexec network is built for this step. Members get a monthly briefing, small roundtables and a confidential career conversation with Aaron. Join the network.
What we ask candidates about
- Whether your strength is governance, platforms, analytics or AI.
- A data or AI decision you said no to, and why.
- How you got business units to change how they handle data.
- Your experience with privacy and regulated data.
Questions
Is a Chief Data Officer the same as a Chief AI Officer?
Not always. Some organisations combine them, some keep AI with the CTO or CIO, and a few have a separate Chief AI Officer. We help you decide which shape fits before the search.
Do you recruit heads of data as well?
Yes. Heads of data, analytics and data engineering are part of the network, and many of them are the next generation of chief data officers.