We recently hosted a discussion with Mo Plassnig (Immuta), Barbara Latulippe (Takeda Pharmaceutical), and Justin Heller (Synchrony Financial) on how AI is reshaping data access and governance. The conversation focused on what CDOs need today as they move from manual processes to more intelligent, automated models.

Key Takeaways

1. Manual Governance Can’t Keep Up
   Traditional ticket-based systems slow teams down. AI-assisted provisioning helps deliver data faster, more securely, and at scale.
2. Balancing Innovation and Risk
   The speakers emphasized shifting from restrictive governance to “fire-proofing” — enabling the business while still managing risk.
3. Where AI Helps Most
   Automation is reducing bottlenecks in policy enforcement and access management. The panel also highlighted the importance of maintaining trust, visibility, and explainability as AI becomes more involved in decision-making.
4. A New Era for CDOs
   With decentralized data and the rise of LLMs, the CDO role is evolving. Cross-functional collaboration across IT, security, compliance, and business teams is now essential.
5. Looking Ahead
   The panel agreed that governance needs to move at the speed of AI. Anticipating new types of risks and scaling governance to match business growth will be key priorities for data leaders.

Speakers:

• Mo Plassnig, Chief Product Officer, Immuta
• Barbara Latulippe, Head of Enterprise Data, CDO at Takeda Pharmaceutical
• Justin Heller, SVP, CDO at Synchrony Financial