What Is Chief Data Officer (CDO)?
The Chief Data Officer (CDO) is the head honcho, the top dog, the big cheese—the person in charge of all data. The CDO is responsible for managing and improving an organization's ability to leverage data as a strategic asset and providing direction on how to use that data most effectively. This means they're tasked with everything from overseeing new information collection to ensuring that all staff members are appropriately trained to make sense of this information and turn it into actionable insights. So what does all this imply in practice? Suppose your boss has been asking you what kind of data we should collect on our customers (or competitors) or why we aren't already collecting that data. In that case, it's probably because they have been talking with their CDO about it! The chief data officer's role has significantly transformed since its creation in 2007. At that time, the CDO was mainly responsible for ensuring that the enterprise data fulfilled compliance requirements. As a result of this role, they had to work closely with IT. Companies have been changing how they handle their data in response to the recession in 2007–08 and subsequent financial regulations. Because of this change, CDOs have a more strategic role in the organization and are no longer responsible for compliance. The chief data officer is a hot topic in business today. Companies that don't have one are scrambling to find someone who can fill this role. Those with CDOs are reaping the benefits of having someone on staff who can properly utilize big data to identify potential revenue opportunities. The chief data officer ensures that the data obtained from various sources are protected and its confidentiality honored. To do this, they must be able to work with other departments and employees within an organization to make sure they all understand what they're doing when handling data. Because of how important it is for companies today to have someone on staff who understands how best to use big data, many job opportunities are available for those looking for them.
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