The world of data, AI, and security is at a tipping point. Research from Capgemini shows that 93% of executives believe organizations that scale AI effectively within the next year will gain a decisive competitive edge. Yet MIT reports that 95% of generative AI pilot projects fail to show significant ROI. The stakes could not be higher: leaders who act now will define the future, while those who hesitate risk being left behind.

That urgency is what makes the CDO Magazine Columbus Leadership Summit the most important gathering of 2025. Designed for data, analytics, AI, and security executives, the Summit focuses on the one question every enterprise must answer: How do we turn hype into measurable business value?

Taking place on November 5, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency – Columbus Downtown, the event will convene leaders from top organizations, including Wells Fargo, Nationwide, Humana, Liberty Mutual, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Cardinal Health, Huntington Bank, USAA, and JPMorganChase. With Columbus emerging as the Midwest’s hub for innovation, this is where strategies, playbooks, and partnerships shaping the future of enterprise will be forged.

Lisa Runkle, CDO Magazine Global Event Manager, underscores why this moment matters: “We’ve moved past the hype cycle — leaders need actionable strategies now. The Columbus Summit delivers the insights, connections, and playbooks executives need to turn bold ideas into measurable outcomes.”

1. A theme that cuts through the noise

Data, AI and Security – Turning the Hype into Business Value. Every track and panel addresses how enterprises can bridge ambition and execution, moving beyond pilots to scale solutions that deliver ROI.

2. A world-class program

Summit tracks target the highest-priority challenges facing leaders today:

• Cultural Transformation & Talent
• Data Flow & Lifecycle Security
• Bridging Data, Analytics, Business & IT for Improving Success – Everyone Playing their Part
• Enabling GenAI with Enterprise Data
• Strategy & Leadership

3. Enterprise leaders in the room

With participation from Fortune 500 companies and regional innovators, this is a rare opportunity to learn directly from peers who are solving challenges in cybersecurity, AI governance, data architecture, and business transformation.

4. Co-chairs who lead by example

The Summit is guided by an impressive roster of co-chairs, representing perspectives across industries:

• Tonjia Coverdale, City of Dayton Data Architect
• Sean Erikson, Grange Insurance VP, Architecture & IT Strategy
• Anthony Fisic, Battelle CISO
• Brett Hudspeth, Humana, Inc. VP, Segment CIO, Medicare & Medicaid
• Tom Marlow, Liberty Mutual VP, Global Data & Analytics
• Mark Marshalek, Farmers Insurance Head of Data Solutions
• Scott McNeal, CAS Director, Content Technology
• Scott Peachey, Huntington Bank SVP, Segment Data Officer
• Colleen Saunders-Chukwu, Nationwide AVP, Technology, Data and Analytics
• Orlando Sprockel, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Sr. Director of IT

5. Networking that drives results

This isn’t casual networking — it’s strategic connection-building with senior executives, rising leaders, and solution experts who are shaping the AI era.

6. Celebrating regional innovation

The Summit will also host an awards reception honoring the 2025 Top 25 Columbus Innovation Leaders, spotlighting executives who are redefining the role of technology in driving growth and resilience.

7. A future-proof agenda

With AI adoption accelerating, cyber threats escalating, and data governance under scrutiny, the Columbus Summit equips leaders with foresight and frameworks to stay ahead of disruption.

Secure your seat now

The CDO Magazine Columbus Leadership Summit is more than an event—it’s your competitive edge in the data and AI era. Seats are limited, and this is your chance to be in the room where the future of enterprise is being written.