CDO Magazine gathered top data, analytics, and AI executives around Los Angeles for an evening of exchanging insights and making meaningful connections at its Executive Boardroom Dinner on April 3. The highlight of the event was the panel discussion on “The Future of Data Leadership: Strategy, Structure & Stewardship in the Age of AI.”

From the disruptive force of GenAI to the shifting foundations of modern data architecture, panelists dove into pressing questions shaping the enterprise landscape. Conversations ranged from unlocking the power of advanced analytics in customer targeting to building data literacy, scaling democratization, and earning critical executive buy-in.

The panel of experts were:

• Deepak Jose, Niagara Bottling VP, Head of Data & Decision Intelligence

• Monica Kedzierski, Herbalife, VP, Global Data, Analytics & AI

• Aarthi Sridharan, The Beachbody Company VP, Business Intelligence & Analytics

• Anja Dang, former Sony Pictures Entertainment SVP, Global Audience Analytics, Data Science & Business Insights

The discussion was moderated by Ali Behnam, Tealium Co-founder.

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Reflecting on his experience, speaker Jose says, “I was truly inspired by my industry peers and leaders who attended. Witnessing the strength of our community and hearing from various subject matter experts was incredibly empowering. I believe that, together, we have the power to innovate, collaborate, and drive our data and analytics communities forward with the responsible usage of AI.”

Speaker Kedzierski thanks CDO Magazine “for organizing another high-quality event,” and mentions that “the topics covered were incredibly timely and relevant, diving deep into the real-world challenges organizations are facing today.”

Adding that the “key lessons learned were both insightful and thought-provoking,” Kedzierski outlines her takeaways: 

1. One thing became abundantly clear: companies are at varying stages of their AI journey. While some are already making impressive strides, many are still grappling with where to begin.

2. Panelists were unanimous that AI isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; it needs to be tailored to meet the specific needs of a business, requiring a deep understanding of the company’s goals, challenges, and existing capabilities.

3. The future of data leadership is bright, but it demands collaboration, ethical thinking, and a strong focus on solving real-world problems. For CEOs exploring AI, remember that it’s not just about implementing a technology, but aligning it with your strategic vision. Let’s lead with purpose and make AI an integral part of our organizational fabric.”

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Sharing her perspective, speaker Sridharan says, “What a great event! It was so nice to network with like-minded peers in the data community. I had a great time sharing my thoughts and listening to what other data leaders had to say about data strategy and GenAI.” Sridharan points to critical themes that emerged from the event,

1. GenAI and how companies are aligning their data architecture to support it

2. Change management and cultivating data literacy/insights in organizations

3. Balancing data democratization and data governance in organizations.

Greg Townsend, SVP and Chief Data & Analytics Officer at AltaMed Health Services, emphasizes the value of peer dialogue: “Last night was a wonderful opportunity to come together with peer data/analytic/AI professionals to discuss the reality of how best to leverage AI in a way to deliver the highest value to our organizations and the communities we serve. These meetings are always a great way to share challenges and wins, and enjoy time with a wonderful community that share the same goals. CDO Magazine does a wonderful job making this happen!”

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Steve Bangsund, CDO Magazine Sr. Director, Programs, says: “We had an amazing gathering of data & AI leaders at the CDO Magazine Los Angeles Executive Boardroom Dinner. High-level discussions continued over dinner with friends and colleagues of the community. It was great to see an impressive level of collaboration and commitment to helping each other on this AI journey.”

Moderator Behnam sums up the event saying, “The CDO Magazine dinner brought together sharp, practical perspectives on how data strategy is evolving in real time — from GenAI to governance. It was a refreshing mix of big-picture thinking and actionable insights. A must-attend for anyone shaping the future of data in their organization.”

Special thanks to Tealium for their partnership in making the event a success.

*Deepak Jose, Monica Kedzierski, and Greg Townsend are members of the CDO Magazine Global Editorial Board.

Executives attending the Los Angeles CDO Magazine Executive Boardroom Dinner included: 

Meetali Agarwal, Domino’s VP, Head, Global Data; Stephen Alford, Worldwide Environmental Products CIO & CISO; Christi Anderson, Herbalife Director, AI Innovation & Change Management; Terrence Barrett, Axos Financial FVP, Analytics, Governance & Compliance; Goutham Budati, The Farmer’s Dog VP, Data Strategy & Insights; Myra Chen, Capital Group Director, VP, Insights & Analytics; Krishna Chirutha, Gilead Sciences Interim Lead, Data Management & Strategy; Marvin Cruz, CGI VP, LA Metro Chief Technology Officer; Anja Dang, former Sony Pictures Entertainment SVP, Global Audience Analytics, Data Science & Business Insights; Julius Hahn, Keck Medicine of USC Chief Data Analytics Officer; Zefa Hakim, Yelp Head, Product, Data & AI; Aram Hovasapyan, American Family Insurance AVP, Data Analytics & Reporting; Pete Johnson, Acorns Chief Operating Officer; Deepak Jose, Niagara Bottling VP, Head, Data & Decision Intelligence; Monica Kedzierski, Herbalife VP, Global Data, Analytics & AI; James Lin, Experian Head, AI/ML Innovation; William McBride, Cetera Financial Group VP, Data & Analytics; Rajeev Mehrotra, Western Dental & Orthodontics Head, Information Technology; Courtney Meister, Herbalife Manager, Copy & Content, Worldwide Creative Studio & Global Marketing; Rakesh Reddy Mekala, DIRECTV Data Product Management, Principal, Chief Data Office; Manzoor Mohideen, Pacific Life AVP, Enterprise, Data Strategy, Data Architecture, Governance, Risk & Compliance; Carlos Rivera Nazario, Niagara Bottling Sr. Manager, Analytics & Insights Product Management; Karen Pfeifer, former Audacy SVP, Enterprise Data & AI; Eric Sanders, Entravision Communications VP, Business Technology; Chintan Shyani, Jaanuu COO, SVP, Operations & Analytics; Aarthi Sridharan, The Beachbody Company VP, Business Intelligence & Analytics; Greg Townsend, AltaMed Health Services SVP, Chief Data & Analytics Officer; Hari Krishnan Umapathy, BODi Director, Data Engineering; André Michel Vargas, Creative Artists Agency Chief Data Officer; Brett Andrews, Tealium VP, Commercial Sales; Ali Behnam, Tealium Co-Founder; Hunter Corbett, Tealium Strategic Account Executive; Steve Bangsund, CDO Magazine, Sr. Director, Programs; Bill Gannon, CDO Magazine, EVP, General Manager.