Unveiling the Strategic Union of Humans and Technology through Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDOs)
In today's digital landscape, businesses are increasingly moving towards cloud solutions, a trend that has brought about new challenges and the need for a strategic approach to data management. According to Experian Data Quality's research 'Rise of the Data Force', this shift has led to the emergence of a new 'data force' driving change in many blue-chip, multi-national European companies.
As data becomes more fragmented in cloud environments, the role of the Chief Data Officer (CDO) becomes crucial in overseeing the stewardship and security of this data. The CDO, as Mike Ettling, President HR Line of Business at SAP, puts it, should be a leader of innovation, powered by data, and relentlessly business-outcome driven.
Historically, businesses have customized their solutions, leading to the adoption of on-premise solutions. However, cloud solutions offer simplification and standardization not available with on-premise solutions, making them an attractive option for businesses looking to keep up with the pace of change and make the most of opportunities in the cloud.
The role of the CDO requires a unique blend of business acumen and understanding of the power of data, in addition to IT technical knowledge. CDOs are being recruited from a variety of industry backgrounds, indicating that the skillset required for the role is versatile and adaptable.
Technical skills are not considered important by 94% of participants in the Experian study. Instead, the CDO needs to understand technology and how to exploit data relevant for business users, aligned to corporate objectives. This understanding is essential for the CDO to prioritize data governance and act as a communicator and innovator who can drive change throughout an organization.
In Europe, companies have primarily appointed CDOs from a compliance perspective, with legislation and governance being key parts of their role. However, the role of the CDO is evolving, with Deutsche Telekom's subsidiary T-Systems appointing Christine Knackfuss-Nikolic as Chief Sovereignty Officer in September 2025. Her role focuses on a strategy of data stewardship and security concerning fragmented data across multi-cloud environments, beyond mere compliance, implementing company-wide sovereignty tailored to customer-specific, regulatory, and geopolitical needs.
Technology and people must be highly interlinked to get maximum value from cloud solutions. Businesses looking to hire a CDO should move quickly rather than defining the perfect role and skills. The challenge for businesses is to keep up with the pace of change and make the most of opportunities in the cloud, and the CDO is a key player in navigating this digital transformation.
In conclusion, the rise of the data force marks a significant shift in the way businesses approach data management. The CDO, as a strategic leader, plays a crucial role in harnessing the opportunities presented by cloud solutions, balancing the need for innovation with the importance of data governance and security.
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