CDO Magazine’s Executive Boardroom Dinner in New York City on February 25 brought together senior data, analytics, and AI leaders from the region to exchange insights, tackle shared challenges, and shape strategies for responsible AI adoption.

The focal point of the event was a panel discussion on “AI Unleashed: Harnessing GenAI Technology for Tangible Returns,” where experts explored the importance of high-quality data, regulatory preparedness, and thoughtful AI governance.

The panel of experts were:

• Sujatha Krishnan, LG Electronics Head, Data Solutions (Analytics, Insights & Data Science)
• John Napoli, MissionLabs.ai Founder & CEO
• Bob DeCarlo, HPE Generative AI Factory GTM, NA Verticals

The session was moderated by Marty Poniatowski, AMD Director.

Navigating the complexities of GenAI adoption

“The CDO Magazine’s NY Dinner was an incredible experience, and I truly enjoyed being part of the panel discussion on GenAI LLMs,” says speaker Krishnan. She highlights the collaboration and shared challenges across industries: “The conversation was filled with thought-provoking questions from like-minded data & analytics leaders, all navigating similar challenges in AI adoption, governance, and real-world implementation.”

A key takeaway according to Krishnan is the reassurance that data leaders are not alone: “Whether in tech, retail, manufacturing, or financial services, every industry is facing similar hurdles around data quality, scaling GenAI, and responsible AI governance.

“It was great to hear different approaches to these challenges and exchange insights on what’s working (and what’s not),” she adds. “The openness in sharing experiences, lessons learned, and strategies for solving AI-related hurdles was invaluable. Events like these reinforce the power of collaboration and community in shaping the future of AI-driven business transformation.”

Speaker Napoli echoes her sentiments and emphasizes the fundamental role of data in AI’s success: “It was so much fun spending a night at CDO Magazine’s Executive Boardroom Dinner in New York. We spoke about how high-quality data allows AI systems to generate more accurate and effective outcomes, leading to smarter business decisions. The quality of data matters as the accuracy and relevance of data significantly impact the performance of an AI system.”

Napoli also mentions “deeper discussions” around topics, such as the link between data projects and business value; the regulatory challenges for data and AI and the impact of deregulation on customer protection; and the maturity level of agentic AI among others. “It is sessions like this that make me proud to be a member of the CDO Magazine Global Editorial Board,” he adds.

Regulatory considerations and the future of AI governance

Regulation was a key theme, with participants reflecting on its growing influence on AI deployment. Purvi Shah, American Express VP, Product Development for Enterprise Data Platforms, highlights the evolving compliance landscape. “The NY CDO Magazine event fostered enriching conversations around the application and adoption of GenAI, with leaders sharing insights into its transformative potential across industries. We discussed how organizations are navigating the integration of AI technologies, complying with changing regulatory environments, and the evolving landscape of digital transformation,” she says.

“As always, the event also provided a valuable opportunity for connecting with key New York leaders, facilitating meaningful collaborations and forward-thinking discussions,” Shah adds.

Agentic AI — Potential and pitfalls

The discussion also touched on the role of agentic AI in business. Anthony Losanno, SVP of Sales at CDO Magazine, notes both the promise and limitations of this technology: “CDO Magazine, along with HPE and AMD, hosted a fascinating discussion around the nascent state of agentic AI, its adoption and business functions, and the ever-expanding role of GenAI. It won’t solve every problem, but it is a tool that can be artfully deployed. While it’s still an immature technology that is rolling out at scale, it’s up to organizations to figure out how to best harness its capabilities.”

Moderator Poniatowski sums up the event saying, “What a spectacular dinner in NYC with brilliant panelists Sujatha Krishnan, John Napoli and Bob DeCarlo. We had a spirited discussion with some challenging audience questions that the panel handled masterfully.”

Special thanks goes to HPE and AMD for their partnership in making the event a success.

*Sujatha Krishnan, John Napoli, and Purvi Shah are members of the CDO Magazine Global Editorial Board.

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

Manal Alimari, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Head, Enterprise Data Governance & Transformation; Arvind Balasundaram, Regeneron Executive Director, Commercial Insights & Analytics; Paul Cao, Wells Fargo Global Head, Enterprise Data Platform; Shardul Desai, former Bank of America Director, Enterprise Data Strategy & Global Regulatory Reporting; Kavita Gupta, American Express VP, Big Data Platform; Sujatha Krishnan, LG Electronics Head, Data Solutions (Analytics, Insights & Data Science); Ashish Nachane, David Yurman Sr. Director,Data Management & Engineering; John Napoli, MissionLabs.ai Founder & CEO; Linda Powell, BNY Mellon Deputy Chief Data Officer; Sanjay Ramchandani, Wells Fargo VP, Analytics; Alexander Rosenzweig, American Express Director, Data Risk Management & Privacy; Purvi Shah, American Express VP, Product Development, Enterprise Data Platforms; Viktoriya Smith, Citi Senior Vice President; Jai Subrahmanyam, The Blackstone Group SVP, Data Governance; Loucas Tsairtas, Broadridge Financial Solutions VP, Sustainability Data, Strategy & PMO; Jim Young, AIG Global Chief Data Officer; Bob DeCarlo, HPE Generative AI Factory GTM, NA Verticals; Vasil Hlinka, HPE Ecosystem & AI ISV Leader; Amy Santucci, HPE VP & General Manager; Kim Shostak, AMD Sr. Manager, HPE GAM Team; Marty Poniatowski, AMD Director; Gerri Cavenness, CDO Magazine Global Events Manager; Anthony Losanno, CDO Magazine SVP, Sales.