CDO Magazine welcomed New York’s top minds in data, analytics, and AI for its Executive Boardroom Dinner at the Palm Midtown on January 28. Conversations focused on decisions the senior leaders—primarily from banking, financial services, insurance, and other data-intensive industries—must navigate as AI becomes embedded in everyday business and technology operations.

The highlight of the evening was a panel discussion on “Fuel AI Agents with AI-Ready Data.” Panelists explored:

• The evolving role of data management as AI becomes embedded across enterprise operations
• Ethical guardrails and governance practices required for responsible AI deployment
• Balancing automation with human judgment to maintain accountability and trust
• Ensuring data quality, integrity, and readiness in AI-driven environments
• Building a strong data culture and skill sets to support innovation while managing risk

The panel of experts were:

• Catherine Ihonvbere, JPMorganChase Executive Director & Head, Analytics Controls for Commerce Enablement
• Rajendar Koltur, PGIM Investments Head, Product & Architecture, Technology
• James Massa, JPMorgan Chase Sr. Executive Director, Software Engineering & Architecture 
• Arup Nanda, American Insurance Group SVP & Global Head, Data

The discussion was moderated by Christopher Moser, Informatica Solution Architect.

Sharing her experience, panelist Ihonvbere says, “The event was not only very well organized, intimate and structured but also very genuine. As we move to the age of AI, it is very encouraging to see leaders both new and old also realizing how it will change not just the industry but their teams as well,and how we as leaders need to double down on how our teams will work ALONGSIDE AI/Machine Learning solutions.”

Similarly, Hardik Mehta, JPMorganChase Global Head, Risk & Regulatory Compliance, says, “The event was well curated with a blend of AI experts and Data champions. The panel questions were detailed, and it gave us insight into the future of the data lifestyle at Fortune 100 enterprises.”

According to Christopher Di Gioia, PGIM VP & Head, Product Data Governance, the evening was truly insightful, engaging, and entertaining. Di Gioia elaborates, “The discussions were thought-provoking, the energy was fantastic, and the overall experience left me energized. CDO Magazine consistently hosts amazing people and creates meaningful connections and conversations that go far beyond the typical networking event—thank you for putting together such a high-caliber gathering. I truly appreciate being part of your events—they are one of a kind!”

Gerri Caveness, CDO Magazine Community Director, highlights, “There’s a different kind of energy when you bring together a small group of leaders who trust each other enough to be honest. Our private event delivered on every front. Sharp minds, candid conversation, and an intentionally intimate room that absolutely rocked! Not every breakthrough needs a stage; sometimes it is simply the right tables!”

Special thanks to Informatica for making the CDO Magazine Executive Boardroom Dinner such a resounding success.

Executives attending the CDO Magazine New York Executive Boardroom Dinner included: 

Neha Agarwal, DTCC Director, Data Services, Product Management; Manal Alimari, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Head, Enterprise Data Governance & Transformation; John Budriss Jr., Flagstar Bank Head, Enterprise Data Management; Christopher Digioia, PGIM Investments VP, Head, Product Data Governance; Kodjo Hogan, TD Bank Business Information Security Officer; Catherine Ihonvbere, JPMorganChase Executive Director, Head, Analytics Controls, Commerce Enablement; Yuliana Jimenez, JPMorganChase Executive Director, Data & Analytics for Payment Products; Akhil Khunger, Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank VP, Quantitative Analytics; Rajendar Koltur, PGIM Investments Head, Product & Architecture, Technology; Srini Masanam, Citi Global Head, Surveillance Data Quality; James Massa, JPMorganChase Sr. Executive Director, Software Engineering & Architecture; Hardik Mehta, JPMorganChase Global Head, Risk & Regulatory Compliance; Arup Nanda, American Insurance Group SVP & Global Head, Data; Shantanu Pal, Blackfein Scholes Capital Chief Information Security Officer; Nicolas Paleokrassas, Webster Bank Sr. Managing Director; Wilmarie Rios, Synchrony VP & Head, Internal Consumer & Partner Data Solutions; Lia Rogers, MSCI Head, Client Insights & Analytics; Alexander Rosenzweig, American Express Director, Data Risk Management & Privacy; Vinod Shenoy, Morgan Stanley Executive Director, Conversational AI; Viktoriya Smith, Citi SVP; Varun Sood, (Former) American Express Director, Product; Sal Celly, Informatica Strategic Account Executive; Maria Pulsoni-Cicio, Informatica Strategic Account Executive; Christopher Moser, Informatica Solutions Architect; Mishel Pinto, Informatica Solutions Architect; Gerri Caveness, CDO Magazine Community Director; Corey Maxner, CDO Magazine Sr. Director, Community & Operations.