Technology · Chief Data Officer
Chief Data Officer and Head of AI executive search.
Retained CDO, Head of Data and Head of AI search for enterprise, regulated financial services and technology businesses.
What the role is
A short definition.
A Chief Data Officer leads the data function — data strategy, governance, platform, analytics and (increasingly) AI. In regulated financial services the CDO holds specific responsibilities around data lineage, BCBS 239 compliance and regulatory reporting. In enterprise businesses the role is board-facing on data and AI risk. The CDO increasingly holds AI strategy directly, or coordinates it tightly with a distinct Head of AI.
Core responsibilities
What we assess candidates against.
- Data strategy aligned to the commercial plan
- Data governance, quality and lineage
- Data platform, warehouse and lakehouse architecture
- Analytics, BI and (increasingly) AI/ML capability
- Regulatory data reporting in regulated environments
- Board and executive team representation for data and (often) AI risk
When to run this search
Typical triggers.
On the transition from a distributed data function to a centralised one under a CDO; on a regulatory intervention around data quality or governance; on entry into an AI-heavy strategic initiative; on the departure of an incumbent CDO.
How we search
The specific approach we take.
Retained. Candidate pools include sitting CDOs at comparable-scale businesses, Heads of Data ready for the CDO step-up, and senior data-and-analytics leaders from adjacent industries. For AI-focused briefs, candidate pools broaden to include applied-ML leaders from technology-native businesses. Every mandate is led by a partner with genuine data fluency.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a CDO and a Chief AI Officer?
In most organisations the CDO holds both. Where distinguished, CDO focuses on data platform and governance, and CAO / Head of AI focuses on applied AI and ML capability. We calibrate against client usage.
Can you support CDO searches for regulated financial services specifically?
Yes. Regulated financial services CDO search is a specialism — BCBS 239, PRA-required data reporting and regulatory data lineage all require distinct experience.
How do you assess candidates on AI capability?
We probe candidates on specific AI/ML systems they have shipped, on governance and risk frameworks they have implemented, and on their view of AI-regulatory posture (EU AI Act, UK equivalents). We do not accept surface-level answers.
How long does a CDO search take?
Twelve to sixteen weeks brief to accepted offer is typical.
How is compensation structured?
Base, cash bonus, and LTIP or equity. CDO compensation with genuine AI leadership responsibility has risen sharply in the last two years.
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