The emergence of the Chief Data Officer (CDO) and other senior data professionals at board room level is transforming the use of data within large organisations.

This new ‘data force’ is driving innovation and differentiation, prompting a revolution of existing business models, improving communication with audiences and finding new efficiencies.

According to the latest report from Experian Data Quality (EDQ) these individuals are leading the way as businesses look to gain previously unseen insights and value from data. These people are being recruited from a broad range of industry backgrounds, with a variety of skill sets.

Breakdown of desired skills for a Chief Data Officer:

 

As the CDO role continues to increase in prominence, Experian Data Quality carried out further research in order to gain a deeper understanding about how both CDOs and other business leaders are managing the ‘tsunami of data’ that they are facing.

The ‘Rise of the data force’ report draws on the frontline experiences of more than 40 CDOs and senior business executives.

Previous research from Experian had found that 92% of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) were calling out for a CDO role within their organisation, due to the increased pressure put upon the importance of data management. This is now beginning to happen, with CDOs driving business decisions from the top and 70% now reporting directly into the CEO.

Boris Huard, Managing Director, Experian Data Quality UK, said: “What seems to be critical to a CDO’s success is the combination of change management and communication skills, tied in with the ability to identify a progressive roadmap that influences not only short term improvement in data quality, but also enables evolution and disruption of business models.

“There’s no doubt that the industry is moving forward at pace, and there is apparently no need for anyone to evangelise about the importance of data at boardroom level, everyone gets it. CDOs have an exciting role to play to shape the future of their organisation, with rapidly advancing technology and digitalisation making the appointment of a “Data Tsar”, in some form or another, absolutely essential.”

The research identified four key trends influencing and driving the CDO role:

  • Anatomy of a CDO

CDOs should be innovators and communicators who can drive change throughout an organisation, whilst prioritising data governance. Technical skills were not considered important by 94% of participants and CDOs are being recruited from a variety of industry backgrounds, however an inspirational leader needs to have proven C-level experience and be business-driven.

  • Technology

Ever advancing technology and continued increases in data volumes are redefining architecture ownership, making the role of data more prominent. The adoption of cloud-based solutions has shifted focus away from IT and architecture to data migration and change management. Therefore organisations are focusing more on data accuracy which is becoming a higher priority.

  • Digitalisation

Growing digital empowerment is driving differentiation and innovation to find new business models and revenue streams amongst organisations. This shift to digital requires a leader to manage data and fully embrace the possibilities it brings. CDOs must translate data into value for the business and weave it into the fabric of an organisation.

  • Regulation and governance

CDOs must confront the ethical challenge as managing data comes with increased responsibility. Regulation is viewed as an opportunity that is driving requirement for a CDO role. Data owners are aware that there is an ‘ethical moral code of conduct’ for the way data should be used and handled and the emergence of “Chief Ethics Officer” is a response to this.

 

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