DataIQ

Most organizations are drowning in data but starving for actionable insights. As AI continues to accelerate, the gap between "having a dashboard" and "driving a business outcome" is becoming the ultimate differentiator for modern leaders. On April 14, we are hosting a deep-dive conversation on what it actually takes to turn data maturity from a buzzword into a reality. We are thrilled to bring together Anu Bedi (VP of Measurement, Insights, Data and Analytics at LinkedIn) and Adam Mincham (SVP, Strategic Financial Services Leader at Blend) to discuss the practitioner’s view of modern data leadership. 📅 Date: April 14, 2026 🕕 Time: 6:00 PM GMT 📍 Location: Virtual Ready to bridge the gap between insight and impact? Register below. linkedin.com/events/7440015…

THE REVEAL: The 2026 #DataIQ100 Europe Top 10! 🥂 The moment we’ve all been waiting for! Live from the Science Museum, we have officially revealed the Top 10 most influential people in #data and #AI for 2026. Congratulations to our 2026 Top 10: Laia Collazos Johanna Hutchinson Karl O'Hanlon Gary Goldberg Perry Philipp James Morgan  Sarah Barr Miller  Gavin Goodland  Wade Munsie  Paola Cagliani View the full list, in partnership with @Accenture, here: dataiq.global/2026-dataiq-10… To the Top 10, and the 90 others who can proudly call themselves Number 11: thank you for leading the way. 🏆 Thinking about 2027? Keep delivering impact, stay connected, and ensure those nominations are in: dataiq.global/nominations

DataIQ is proud to announce THE most influential person in data and AI for 2026 as Laia Collazos, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, @CocaColaEP. Leading global data and analytics for one of the world’s largest consumer goods organisations, Laia oversees platforms, governance, insight, data products, data science and AI. All with a clear ambition: to “make data matter by driving value at scale.” She believes that data is not just an asset. It is “the language that articulates how a business operates.” Laia's career spans software engineering, international consulting, global media investment and executive technology leadership. She understands that data must influence real operational decisions — not sit on the sidelines. Today, she is accelerating responsible AI adoption through a global AI Incubator and Council model, powered by hundreds of champions across the business. The approach is simple: “learn by doing, capture value, and deliver AI responsibly.” Laia believes the next chapter of data leadership requires balancing strategic vision with attention to detail. Recognising that scaling AI is not about pilots, but about embedding capability with governance, clarity and influence. Their advice to aspiring C-suite leaders? “Do not follow a straight line. Pack your CV with different experiences. There is no set path, but it is a fun journey, enjoy it!” Read their path to power here: dataiq.global/dataiq100/laia…

Our second most influential person in data and AI in the 2026 #DataIQ100 is Johanna Hutchinson, Group Chief Data Officer, @BAESystemsplc. Johanna operates where precision, resilience and trust are non-negotiable. In the newly-created role of Group Chief Data Officer role within a FTSE 50 organisation, she's leading enterprise data, analytics and AI transformation across a 90,000-strong global workforce. Embedding capability in environments where operational failure is not an option. Johanna spent more than a decade in government, building national data and analytics capability and leading transformation at the highest levels of public decision-making, most notably leading the UK’s COVID-19 data response. Today, her focus is on moving from strategy to mission-critical execution. Strengthening data foundations, deploying AI into production, ensuring governance, assurance and operational impact advance together. She see's data authority, discipline and cultural alignment as just as important as technological capability. Their advice to aspiring C-suite leaders? “You can only work at the pace that the organisations will allow you to. Fighting against it is often futile and doesn’t lead to your personal success.” Read their path to power here: dataiq.global/dataiq100/joha…

Our third most influential person in data and AI in the 2026 #DataIQ100 is Karl O’Hanlon, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, @Veolia. Karl has risen through the ranks of one of the world’s most operationally complex organisations — turning frontline insight into global transformation. A defining career moment came during the London Olympics, where he led complex disruption analysis and optimised operational planning across the city. From there, Karls remit expanded steadily — from managing business performance in London and across the UK, to leading Data and Analytics across Northern Europe, and now shaping the global data and AI agenda at Group level. Today, he is spearheading a worldwide data transformation — deploying industrialised AI solutions, building sustainable technical foundations, and driving a cultural shift in how thousands of colleagues engage with data. Karl believes the future belongs to leaders who can industrialise AI beyond pilots. Embedding strong foundations, delivering value faster through execution. Their advice to aspiring C-suite leaders? “For me it’s simple: work hard and take risks. If you are aiming for C-suite you need to be able to take on difficult challenges and execute them well.” Read their path to power here: dataiq.global/dataiq100/karl…

Number 4 in the #DataIQ100 Top 10 for 2026 is Gary Goldberg, Chief Data Officer for Supply, Trading and Shipping, @bp_plc. Gary brings a rare blend of front-line commercial experience and enterprise transformation expertise. Operating at the sharp end of global markets, where milliseconds matter and commercial judgement is everything. That dual perspective has shaped a pragmatic approach to data leadership for our number 4. Responsible for one of the world’s most commercially complex supply, trading and shipping operations, Gary's focus has been clear: make data genuinely usable. Centred on strong foundations, standardised information at source, rapid cross-business deployment, accelerating AI at scale. He sees the role of the CDO as a bridge — translating ambition into achievable outcomes, steering investment toward real value. Above all, Gary's leadership is defined by a willingness to challenge the status quo. Driving cultural change and positioning data not as infrastructure, but as a competitive advantage. Their advice to aspiring C-suite leaders? “Be respectful, but always speak the truth, and strive for a vision that inspires those around you.” Read their path to power here: dataiq.global/dataiq100/gary…

Number 5 in the #DataIQ100 Top 10 for 2026 is Perry Philipp, Chief Data Officer, @EntainGroup. Perry is a strong believer that data leadership is not about dashboards or algorithms — it’s about outcomes. He has operated in high-pressure environments where clarity and execution matter more than theory. From large-scale infrastructure programmes to business turnarounds, his experience has shaped a leadership style built on focus, trust and delivery. Today, Perry has a clear priority: make data practical, safe and widely adopted. Through scaling enterprise learning programmes, enabling responsible generative AI, or creating space for grassroots innovation, his emphasis is on embedding capability across the business. He argues that the next evolution of data leadership will be relentlessly outcome-driven: proving value quickly, building governance that enables rather than blocks, and shifting from doing the work to enabling the enterprise to do it confidently. Their advice to aspiring C-suite leaders? “The C-suite is a role of focus and trade-offs. The earlier you learn to manage your time with discipline, the more value you’ll create, and the more sustainable your leadership will be.” Read their path to power here: dataiq.global/dataiq100/perr…

Number 6 in the DataIQ 100 Top 10 for 2026 is James Morgan, Chief Data Officer, @TheCrownEstate. James has built a career focused on enterprise-wide data transformation. Combining deep technical expertise with strong commercial and organisational leadership. He has delivered new data eco-systems, operating models and governance frameworks across major UK brands. His work consistently centres on democratising trusted data and embedding responsible AI at scale. Currently responsible for their organisation’s data strategy and transformation roadmap, he is ensuring innovation is both scalable and ethically grounded. James believes successful data leaders must combine communication, commercial acumen and resilience — engaging the Board in clear business terms while consistently demonstrating value. Their advice to aspiring C-suite leaders? “To be a successful leader, you need to understand how your and other organisations work and what needs to change for them to evolve, grow and win in an ever changing and complex world. Read their path to power here: dataiq.global/dataiq100/jame…

Number 7 in the #DataIQ100 Top 10 for 2026 is Sarah Barr Miller, Director of Data and AI, British Airways. Sarah operates in one of the most data-rich and operationally complex industries in the world. Where safety, customer experience and performance depend on getting decisions right. Starting in hands-on data roles, she chose to move closer to decision-making — stepping into leadership roles that influence outcomes.Spanning global retail analytics and international expansion, Sarah understands how data can transform customer experience at scale. Today, she brings that perspective into aviation, leading data, insight and AI across a global airline, leading teams using advanced analytics and AI to optimise aircraft deployment, crew planning and maintenance prediction. Sarah believes the future of data leadership will be as much about organisational design and human outcomes as technology — blending technical credibility with communication, influence and trust. Their advice to aspiring C-suite leaders? “I would say to try anything and everything; don’t rule anything out and seek new experiences. This helps you to master the art of storytelling with data using analogies and real-world examples. Read their path to power here: dataiq.global/dataiq100/sara…

Number 8 in the #DataIQ100 Top 10 for 2026 is Gavin Goodland, Chief Data Officer, @nationalgrid. Gavin brings a career defined by operating at the intersection of business, technology, and organisational boundaries — always seeking value where others see complexity. He has a global track record as a digital and data leader, driving large-scale transformation across sectors including energy, government and service industries. Leading major programmes involving real-time and safety-critical data, with governance models that balance pace, control and accountability. Currently, Gavin is focused on ensuring colleagues have confidence, capability and trusted data to make decisions at pace and deliver real operational impact. He emphasises strategy, simplification, engagement, motivation, commercial acumen and the ability to stay calm in raging seas. Their advice to aspiring C-suite leaders? “Understand how the business makes money and how that flows around the organisation. Understand who are the customers and what do they think about your business.” Read their path to power here: dataiq.global/dataiq100/gavi…

Number 9 in the #DataIQ100 Top 10 for 2026 is Wade Munsie, Chief Data and AI Officer, @HeathrowAirport. Serving in multiple Fortune 500 organisations to lead large, high-performing teams delivering business value measured in the hundreds of millions. A defining shift was to operate as a corporate executive who brings deep data expertise into strategic decision-making. Moving from service delivery to value creation - from tactical execution to long-term transformation. Today, Wade embeds data and AI into the heart of organisational strategy as core drivers of performance, resilience and growth. He believes that in a modern AI world, leaders must become comfortable with discomfort. That curiosity and courage — not control — will define competitive advantage. Wade emphasises something often overlooked in technology leadership: emotional intelligence. Without people, nothing gets delivered. Their advice to aspiring C-suite leaders? “Take time to reflect your most important decisions and communications. I try to write my most important replies to wicked problems in the afternoon or evening and not send them until the next morning. Read their path to power here: dataiq.global/dataiq100/wade…

Our Number 10 in the #DataIQ100 Top 10 for 2026 is Paola Cagliani, Group Chief Data and AI Officer, Admiral. Paola is a leader who has consistently placed data and AI at the centre of business strategy as a direct commercial lever. Beginning in statistics and analytics, Paola built a strong technical foundation before moving into business-facing roles. She has led major transformation programmes across global organisations - including cloud migration at scale, enterprise-wide machine learning adoption, and the monetisation of data. Paola believes exceptional data leaders must combine resilience with “strategic translation” - the ability to connect architecture and AI governance directly to P&L, speed-to-market and competitive advantage. Their advice to aspiring C-suite leaders? “My advice is counter-intuitive for a data professional: Unlearn the need for certainty. Read more about their path to power: dataiq.global/dataiq100/paol…

The #DataIQ100 Roundtables are officially in session! This is the heartbeat of the Discussion, moving beyond the stage to solve the 'unfiltered' challenges of data leadership with the peers who are actually in the trenches. We have two rotations of 40-minute deep dives, each led by a faculty of experts tackling the scenarios that resonate most with our delegates. A massive thank you to our scenario leaders and moderators: ✨ AI Strategy & Executive Vision: Rebecca Fitzgerald (Yorkshire Building Society) ✨ CDO Evolution & AI: Lauren Sager Weinstein (TfL) ✨ Enterprise Impact: Abhishek Khandelwal (Barclays UK) ✨ Operational Value in Regulated Worlds: Alex Sidgreaves (Zurich Insurance) & Joseph Rowe (Accenture) ✨ Removing the Human from the Loop: Tom Spencer (Aviva) & Anthony Levesanos (Accenture) ✨ Embedding Data Capability: Guy Johnson (Belron International) ✨ Scaling Beyond PoC: Hari Prasad Govindarajan & Carl Kinson (DXC) ✨ Large-Scale Transformations: Srimanth Rudraraju (LSEG) ✨ Building Team Maturity: Lara Izlan (ITV) ✨ Shifting from ‘AI Theatre’: Emma Bleet (Beyond) ✨ AI Literacy as Change: Greg Freeman (Data Literacy Academy) & Helen Blaikie (Aston University) ✨ AI-Ready Foundations: Dimitrios Koromilas (Acxiom) ✨ High-Stakes Environments: Gary Goldberg (BP) ✨ Sustainable Competitive Edge: Nivedh Iyer (Danske Bank) ✨ Governance & Trust: Wade Munsie (Heathrow Airport) ✨ Insight to Income: Ed Child (Costa Coffee) ✨ Foundations for Growth: James Morgan (The Crown Estate) ✨ Operationalising Responsible AI: Kate Sargent (Financial Times) ✨ Leading Through Change: Lisa Allen (The Pensions Regulator) ✨ Support Across the Business: Russell Barton (Starbucks EMEA)

Quick reset and a lot of connection. ☕ We’re taking a short networking break here at the Science Museum. The energy in the room is incredible—there is no substitute for this level of peer-to-peer interaction. Conversations are ranging from Agentic AI governance to the changing expectations of the C-suite. Refueling for the interactive roundtables up next! 🔌 #Networking #DataIQ

From Insight to Income: Monetisation Strategies that Drive Data Value 💰 Alex Jardine, Director of Analytics at Sainsbury’s Nectar takes the stage Data is no longer a cost center—it’s a revenue engine. But how do you bridge the gap between a great insight and a line on the P&L? We’re exploring the #Monetisation strategies that top-tier organisations use to turn data assets into commercial success.

What Next for the Role of the CDO? As data and AI move from enablement to execution, the role of the Chief Data Officer is rapidly evolving at pace. This session explores the shift from data stewardship to business leadership—owning outcomes, driving adoption, and shaping how organisations make decisions with AI. We are thrilled to have two industry powerhouses sharing their perspectives: 🎤 Wade Munsie, Chief Data Officer, Heathrow Airport 🎤 Laia Collazos, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners 🎤Ryan Den Rooijen, MD AI and Monetisation, Currys In a world where the average CDO tenure is just under two years, Wade and Laia are discussing how to anchor the role in long-term business value and navigate the path from 'data guardian' to 'execution multiplier.' 🚀 #CDO #DataLeadership #DataIQ100 #CSuite #BusinessTransformation

Scaling Agentic AI: Frameworks, Governance, and Real-World Impact 🤖 We’ve moved past the 'experimentation' phase of GenAI. Today’s panel is diving into the operational reality of Agentic AI—systems that don't just suggest, but act. Incredible insights being shared by our expert faculty: 🎤 Gavin Goodland, Chief Data Officer, National Grid 🎤 Miryem Salah, Director Digital Data & Transformation, Vodafone/Three 🎤 Perry Philipp, Chief Data Officer, Entain 🎤 Shreenivasa Rajanala, VP, Global Head of Data Science, Bayer 🎤 Viveca Pavon, Data & AI Lead for Public Sector, Accenture #AgenticAI #AI #DataLeadership #DataIQ100

To position #data as a critical enabler, we must understand the world our customers inhabit. In this opening keynote, Katie Burke, Innovation and Thought Leadership Lead at @Accenture shares the cultural and technological shifts defining 2026. For CDOs, these trends aren't just 'insights'—they are the roadmap for aligning data strategy with human behavior to ensure long-term relevance and trust.

And we’re off! A warm welcome to the 2026 #DataIQ100 Discussion. 🎤 As we stand at the intersection of rapid AI advancement and shifting global trends, the mission for today is clear: empowering data leaders to navigate complexity and deliver measurable business value. We have a packed agenda of keynotes, panels, and roundtables ahead. Let’s shape the future of the profession together. 🚀

🚀 The 2026 #DataIQ 100 Discussion is officially underway! We’ve kicked off with registration and a networking breakfast, bringing together the most influential leaders in #data and #AI to set the stage for a day of transformation. From Agentic AI to the evolving role of the CDO, today is about uncovering the strategies that drive real-world impact. 📢 PLUS! The moment you’ve been waiting for—we are revealing the 2026 #DataIQ100 Europe Top 10 LIVE this afternoon. Stay tuned and follow #DataIQ100 for updates in real time! 🔥