Each week, CDO Magazine curates a high-level overview of executive appointments and leadership transitions shaping the global data, AI, and analytics ecosystem. This roundup offers a quick-read snapshot of how leadership talent is transitioning across organizations as they evolve data and AI strategies to support digital transformation, data management, enterprise innovation, security, and AI-driven decision-making.

This briefing tracks leadership movements involving Chief Data Officers, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers, Chief Data and Analytics Officers, Chief Information Officers, Chief Information Security Officers, and senior executives responsible for data, analytics, security, and digital strategy across industries.

For the week of February 16, highlighted in this edition, we feature key leadership updates at Travelodge, Accenture Federal Services, and Humana, alongside several other notable appointments recently spotlighted on CDO Magazine.

This week’s featured moves:

Travelodge Hotels Limited: Kinnari Ladha, Chief Data Officer

Travelodge Hotels Limited has named Kinnari Ladha as Chief Data Officer. Ladha will lead the company’s data and AI initiatives across its 625 hotels in the UK, Ireland, and Spain. Bringing over 20 years of experience from roles at Merlin Entertainments and IAG Loyalty, she is tasked with making data practical and accessible to solve everyday problems, unlock growth, and enhance the guest experience at every touchpoint.

Accenture Federal Services: Garrett Berntsen, Chief AI Officer

Accenture Federal Services has appointed Garrett Berntsen as Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer. Berntsen, who previously served as Deputy Chief Digital and AI Officer at the U.S. Department of Defense and held roles at the National Security Council, will focus on architecting how federal agencies deliver their missions. He will align mission needs with advanced technology, talent, and strategic partnerships to advance national priorities.

U.S Department of War: Cameron Stanley, Senior Official for Applied AI

The Pentagon has named Cameron Stanley as the senior official for Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI), a key area in the department’s restructured technology priorities. Stanley, who also serves as the CDAO and formerly led Project Maven, will oversee the use of data, analytics, and AI across military operations. His leadership is part of a streamlined effort to deliver critical capabilities to the War Department at speed and scale.

CEC Entertainment: Nathan Hunstable, Chief Information Officer

CEC Entertainment, the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza, has promoted Nathan Hunstable to Vice President and Chief Information Officer, effective February 2. Previously the company’s CISO, Hunstable will now lead the broader IT organization and drive innovation across the brands. He succeeds Jay Spears, continuing the company’s digital transformation and advancement of data and analytics capabilities.

Humana: Sonali Mathur, Global Board Member (CDO Magazine)

CDO Magazine is pleased to welcome Sonali Mathur, Vice President of Data Strategy & Governance and Chief Data Governance Officer at Humana, to our Global Board. Mathur leads enterprise-wide data strategy and protection, ensuring data is trusted and secure within the regulated healthcare environment. Her previous experience includes leading large-scale data transformation at General Motors, supporting over 100 million customer and dealer interactions.