Antoine Roex, OAKland Group
In a context where data is taking on a strategic role, roles such as chief data officer are emerging to transform governance and maximize the value of corporate information. Discover the new missions and challenges facing these leaders of digital transformation in 2025.
The chief data officer: a strategic role in data governance
The role of the chief data officer (CDO) has become essential to the transformation of modern businesses. Responsible for steering data management strategy, the CDO is the guarantor of data governance and its exploitation to create value. His mandate goes far beyond simple management: he establishes governance policies that enable data to be structured and standardized throughout the organization, a crucial point in ensuring the consistency and reliability of information. It must also guarantee data quality, a vital aspect for strategic and operational analyses, and define rigorous verification processes to avoid costly errors and the legal risks associated with poor-quality data.
The rise of advanced analysis and artificial intelligence
Data analytics capability is a priority for many companies, and the CDO is at the forefront of implementing advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. These tools transform data into actionable insights, enabling companies to better understand customer behavior, anticipate market trends and adapt to change in real time. The CDO is responsible for promoting this analytical culture, and to do so, he or she must often invest in training and educating teams. This involves workshops and seminars aimed at familiarizing employees with data analysis tools and reinforcing their skills in this strategic area.
The emergence of new approaches: the concept of “data products
The concept of “data products”, inspired by the Data Mesh model, is a growing trend in data management. Data products” are based on structured data management that includes collection, storage, analysis and exploitation from a product perspective, aimed at improving collaboration between data experts and other departments in the organization. This approach helps make data more accessible and actionable for teams, facilitating the adoption of integrated analytical practices across the enterprise. The CDO must therefore work with data product managers who treat data as a strategic asset, enabling them to better manage its lifecycle and optimize its value for the organization.
Compliance and data protection challenges
With the proliferation of data protection regulations, such as the RGPD in Europe, the CDO function now incorporates increased compliance responsibilities. The CDO must work closely with legal teams to ensure that data management policies are in line with local and international legislation. The diversity of regulations demands constant monitoring and increased adaptability, especially for international companies. In addition, the CDO must also implement robust security protocols to protect the company’s sensitive data from cyber threats, particularly in the context of the growing use of AI and cloud computing. These efforts help to establish a secure environment for data exploitation, while ensuring transparency and respect for users’ rights.
Conclusion
The role of the chief data officer continues to evolve, adapting to new expectations in terms of innovation, governance and data-driven strategy. In addition to managing data as a veritable asset, the CDO transforms the company into an agile and responsive entity in the face of tomorrow’s technological and regulatory challenges. Through his or her actions, the CDO helps to place data at the heart of the company’s strategy, giving it a central role in today’s knowledge economy. As organizations become increasingly aware of the value of data, CDOs and the new data management professions will continue to shape the future of business.
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