Welcome to isCDO Data Leadership
We are a vendor neutral professional society for data leaders who shape strategy, governance, and value creation from data across public and private sectors worldwide.
Advancing Data Leadership Worldwide
Join a global community of Chief Data Officers and senior data leaders dedicated to advancing the profession and creating value from data assets.
Our members gain access to trusted peer networks, practical resources, and opportunities to learn from leading CDOs across industries.
A Word from our Executive Director
Michael Servaes
isCDO Data Leadership was created by CDOs who saw the need for a year-round space for data leaders to connect, share ideas, and solve real world challenges together.
The more you contribute, the more you benefit by learning from the experience, successes, and lessons of fellow data leaders.
Upcoming Events
Stay current with webinars and forums on data leadership, governance, ethics, and strategy.
- Peer mentorship in data leadership
- Selecting metadata and data management tools
- Data ethics and responsible innovation
Featured Articles
Insights from senior data leaders across industries.
- Artificial Intelligence in Banking
- Providing a Context for Oversight
- Accelerating Digital through Data Foundations
Featured Videos
Watch recorded sessions on data culture, strategy, and monetization.
- Cross generational peer mentorship
- Building a data driven culture
- Data ethics and governance in practice
Membership Benefits
- Exclusive member resources and publications
- Private discussion and peer advisory groups
- Networking with global data leaders
- Event access and discounts
Events and Webinars
Explore recent and archived events that address the realities of modern data leadership, from ethics and literacy to tooling and monetization.
The Importance of Cross Generational Peer Mentorship in Data Leadership
Free webinar • May 13, 2025
A panel discussion on how peer mentorship across generations strengthens data leadership, broadens perspective, and accelerates capability building.
Selecting (Meta)Data Management Tools
Free webinar • June 25, 2024
Author Irina Steenbeek discusses how to assess and select metadata management tools in a landscape of rapidly evolving IT solutions.
Operationalizing Data Policy Governance for Data Protection
Free webinar • May 25, 2023
Practical approaches for enabling more self service analytics while maintaining compliance with policies, guidelines, and regulations.
Doing What is Right: A Framework for Data Ethics
Free webinar • March 23, 2023
Exploring how organizations can manage data in ways that minimize harm and protect individuals and communities.
isCDO Data Leadership Awards
Honoring leaders who demonstrate outstanding impact in data transformation, collaboration, and strategic value creation.
2017 Transformation Awards
Transformation of Collaboration from Inwards to Outwards
Recipient: Maria Villar, VP Enterprise Data Management, SAP
Recognized for leading SAPs journey in data transformation with a global vision for data quality that became an industry benchmark and supported the move to a digital cloud business.
Transformation from Traditional Data to Big Data
Recipient: Barbara Latulippe, Chief Data Governance Officer, Dell
Honored for a lean value based big data governance model that enabled information sharing, transparency, and innovation across complex data environments.
Transformation from Traditional Data to Big Data
Recipient: Asim Tewary, VP, Head of Data Science and Analytics, Verizon
Celebrated for advanced customer centric analytics that significantly reduced churn and monetized data driven insights.
2020 Data Leadership Awards
Transformation of Collaboration from Inwards to Outwards
Recipient: Sri Mishra, Chief Data and Technology Officer, JDRF International
Recognized for modernizing enterprise architecture with API driven integration and master data management that enabled trusted analytics and better support to families.
Transformation from Traditional Data to Big Data
Recipient: Derek J. Strauss, Chief Data Officer, TD Ameritrade
Honored for establishing a big data ecosystem that improved efficiency, supported real time decision making, and advanced risk and fraud analysis.
Transformation of Value Impact from Data Service to Business Strategy
Recipient: Michael J. Conlin, Chief Data Analytics Officer, U.S. Department of Defense
Celebrated for creating a unified data platform (Advana) that integrated data across domains, enhanced transparency, and enabled strategic insight generation.
Our Mission
isCDO Data Leadership is the premiere vendor neutral professional society for Chief Data Officers and senior data leaders. We provide a peer advisory community to advance data leadership globally.
Data Leadership for the 21st Century
Members include Chief Data Officers and de facto CDOs with titles spanning analytics, innovation, customer insights, digital, and related roles across sectors and regions.
They represent themselves, not their employers, and are united by a commitment to data driven decision making and value creation from data assets.
With founding roots at MITs Sloan School of Management, the society supports and empowers data leaders through advisory functions, programs, and resources.
Mission Areas
- Promote Data Literacy – develop materials and narratives to help executive leaders understand why dedicated data leadership is necessary.
- Leadership Development – define new categories of data leadership roles and role descriptions beyond the CIO, especially in the public sector.
- Advance the Profession – codify roles, responsibilities, and competencies for data leaders and CDOs.
- Reduce Redundant Work – share assets and lessons so efforts are reused rather than duplicated.
- Cooperation and Coordination – align data management efforts, standards, and best practices across organizations.
Resources
Access curated articles, videos, and news that support practical data leadership, strategy, governance, and culture.
Articles
- Artificial Intelligence in Banking – Data driven business models as the future of banking
- Providing a Context for Oversight – How boards should consider data
- Accelerating Digital through Data Foundations
- AI Efforts at Large Companies May Be Hindered by Poor Quality Data
- Data Leaders, It is Time to Try Something Different to Succeed – Design Thinking
- Report to the Clerk of the Privy Council – A Data Strategy Roadmap for the Federal Public Service
Videos
- The Importance of Cross Generational Peer Mentorship in Data Leadership
- Building a Data Driven Culture for Business Success
- Data Monetization – Squeezing Value from Available Data Assets
- Doing What is Right – Exploring a Framework for Data Ethics
- Building a Modern Data Strategy
News
Latest announcements about isCDO Data Leadership programs, partnerships, and initiatives.
News items to be added and integrated with your CMS or feed.
Chief Data Officer Role Overview
The Chief Data Officer is accountable for increasing the value derived from data assets, enabling a data driven business model, and ensuring trusted, ethical use of data.
Core Mission
- Define and communicate the enterprise data vision and value proposition.
- Align data strategy with corporate strategy and business outcomes.
- Enable data democratization while managing risk and compliance.
- Champion data quality, governance, and effective use of data technologies.
Key Responsibility Areas
- Data Strategy – vision, outcomes, investment areas, and value measurement.
- Execution and Roadmap – data platforms, management, analytics, privacy, and security.
- Culture and Literacy – building data literacy, skills, and data driven decision making.
- Stakeholder Relationships – working with executives, architecture, and business leaders.
Knowledge and Skills
- Strong understanding of data management, analytics, and BI tools.
- Experience with cloud, on premises, and hybrid deployment environments.
- Familiarity with machine learning, data science techniques, and modern data platforms.
- Deep knowledge of privacy regulations, data protection, and data ethics.
Leadership Profile
- Proven ability to lead cross functional teams and large data programs.
- Demonstrated capacity to influence through consensus across the enterprise.
- Strong communication, integrity, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Typical Qualifications
- Bachelor degree in engineering, computer science, or related field.
- Relevant certifications such as CDO, CDMP, CBIP, or CPMP.
- Business degree (MBA or equivalent) considered an asset.
Membership
Join a global society of senior data and analytics leaders who are shaping the future of data leadership.
Ready to Join Our Community?
Become a member today and gain access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and professional development.
Join Membership NowWho Can Join
isCDO Data Leadership members are senior data leaders such as Chief Data Officers, de facto CDOs, and executives with responsibilities for analytics, innovation, customer insights, digital, or related functions.
Members span geographies and industries and participate in a personal capacity. CDO status is self reported and reviewed by the membership subcommittee if needed.
Society Membership
- Access to full site functionality and member only resources.
- Participation in discussion forums and private groups.
- Invitations to member events and programs.
- Networking with peers across sectors and regions.
How to Join
- Select the membership option that fits your role.
- Complete the online membership application.
- Pay dues securely via PayPal or credit card.
- Confirm your email and sign in to access member content.
As an industry association, membership dues are treated as a business expense. They are not charitable donations.
Join isCDO Data LeadershipQuestions about membership options: webmaster@isCDO.org