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 9, highlighted in this edition, we feature key leadership updates at USAA, LPL Financial, and Global Payments, alongside several other notable appointments recently spotlighted on CDO Magazine.

This week’s featured moves:

USAA: Dan Griffiths, Chief Information Officer

Dan Griffiths has been named Chief Information Officer at USAA, effective February 5. Formerly the Group CIO for Santander US and Santander Bank globally, Griffiths is tasked with modernizing USAA’s platforms and enhancing cybersecurity. His leadership will focus on delivering secure, “always-on” digital experiences and engineering rigor for the military community.

LPL Financial: Beth Hiatt, SVP of Product Management, Data Governance and Responsible AI

LPL Financial has appointed Beth Hiatt as Senior Vice President of Product Management, Data Governance, and Responsible AI. Hiatt joins from PayPal, where she led global data governance. A seasoned veteran in the field, she previously served as the first Chief Data Officer at Fannie Mae and CDIO at Unissant, bringing extensive experience in driving enterprise-wide data strategy and quality.

Carle Illinois College of Medicine: Adil Haider, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer

Dr. Adil Haider joins the Carle Illinois College of Medicine (CI MED) as its inaugural Chief AI Officer. In this dual-capacity role, Haider will also serve as medical director for research informatics at Carle Foundation Hospital. Previously the Dean of Aga Khan University Medical College, Haider will now lead the strategic deployment of AI across medical education and clinical innovation.

Global Payments: Sushma Punuru, Global Board Member (CDO Magazine)

CDO Magazine is proud to welcome Sushma Punuru, Chief Data Officer at Global Payments, to our Global Board. Punuru leads the end-to-end data and AI lifecycle for one of the world’s largest payments firms. Her 20-year career includes senior leadership roles at MetLife and PwC, and she was recently named a Top 25 Atlanta Data & AI Leader for 2026.

Teradata: Ken Ricketts, Chief Information Security Officer

Ken Ricketts has been appointed SVP and Chief Information Security Officer at Teradata. Ricketts, who previously served as CISO at Coupa Software and CISO in Residence at Insight Partners, will oversee Teradata’s enterprise-wide security strategy. His focus will be on securing cloud and AI-driven platforms to foster a culture of collaborative, risk-based governance.

University of St. Thomas: Jena Zang, Chief Data & AI Officer

The University of St. Thomas has elevated Jena Zang to Chief Data & AI Officer. Zang, who has been with the university for over a decade, previously served as its Chief Data & Analytics Officer. In her new role, she will focus on grounding the institution’s AI strategy in ethics and purpose-driven outcomes across academic and operational functions.

Western Alliance Bank: Stephen McMaster, Chief Information Security Officer

Stephen McMaster has joined Western Alliance Bank as Chief Information Security Officer. Bringing over 20 years of experience from Wells Fargo — where he most recently served as Managing Director of Cloud Security — McMaster will now lead Western Alliance’s cyber risk management and safeguard critical systems to support the bank’s evolving operating model.