29% of CDOs don’t see a future in the position

“The role will likely remain in the C-suite as long as data is the differentiator,” he says. “Data is important for modern enterprises, and as AI evolves, having someone who can manage, protect, and strategically utilize that data is crucial.”

However, CDOs need to demonstrate measurable value, such as operational efficiencies, new revenue from data-driven services, or improved compliance and transparency, Kearney says. “These outcomes will establish the CDO as an essential role rather than a temporary one,” he adds.

Like many CDOs, Kearney sees the role as in a state of evolution, and CDOs need the vision required to translate multimodal data into valuable business insights, he says.