Each week, CDO Magazine curates a high-level overview of executive appointments and leadership transitions shaping the global data, AI, and analytics ecosystem. This roundup offers a quick-read snapshot of how leadership talent is transitioning across organizations as they evolve data and AI strategies to support digital transformation, data management, enterprise innovation, security, and AI-driven decision-making.

This briefing tracks leadership movements involving Chief Data Officers, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers, Chief Data and Analytics Officers, Chief Information Officers, Chief Information Security Officers, and senior executives responsible for data, analytics, security, and digital strategy across industries.

For the week of May 18, highlighted in this edition, we feature key leadership updates at Citi, PayPal, and H&M Group, alongside several other notable appointments recently spotlighted on CDO Magazine.

This week’s featured moves:

Merck: Tim McKnight, SVP, IT Risk Management & Security and CISO

Merck has appointed Tim McKnight as Senior Vice President, IT Risk Management & Security and Chief Information Security Officer. McKnight, who recently served as CISO at UnitedHealth Group and previously held the Chief Security Officer role at SAP, brings over 30 years of experience to Merck. He will lead global IT risk initiatives and cybersecurity strategies to safeguard sensitive data and strengthen the company’s resilience.

H&M Group: Diego Teijeiro Ruiz, Chief Information Officer

H&M Group has named Diego Teijeiro Ruiz as Chief Information Officer, effective May 25. Ruiz joins the company’s Executive Management Team after serving as Global Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Inditex. His extensive background in retail technology, supply chain, and sustainability will be instrumental in advancing H&M’s tech capabilities and enhancing the omnichannel customer experience.

PayPal: Anshu Bhardwaj, Chief AI Transformation & Simplification Officer

PayPal has elevated Anshu Bhardwaj to the newly created role of Chief AI Transformation & Simplification Officer. Formerly SVP of Engineering for Checkout and Global Products, Bhardwaj is now tasked with driving PayPal’s enterprise-wide AI agenda. Her focus is on utilizing AI to reduce operational complexity and accelerate execution across the organization’s high-impact use cases.

HSBC UK: Declan O’Gorman, CIO for Retail Banking & Wealth

HSBC UK has appointed Declan O’Gorman as Chief Information Officer for Retail Banking & Wealth. O’Gorman joins from NatWest Group, where he served as Head of Enterprise Engineering. At HSBC, he will oversee the technology strategy and operational resilience for the HSBC UK, first direct, and M&S Bank brands, focusing on modernizing legacy platforms and accelerating digital channel growth.

LPL Financial: Beth Hiatt, Global Board Member (CDO Magazine)

CDO Magazine is pleased to welcome Elizabeth (Beth) Hiatt, SVP of Product Management, Data Governance & Responsible AI at LPL Financial, to our Global Board. With nearly 30 years of experience—including previous leadership as Head of Global Data Governance at PayPal—Hiatt specializes in building enterprise-wide data culture and ensuring AI practices align with ethical and responsible standards.

Citi: Brian Saluzzo, Chief Information Officer

Citi has appointed Brian Saluzzo as Chief Information Officer to lead its technology organization and scale AI initiatives across the business. Saluzzo joins from Google, where he was VP of Core Developer Engineering, and brings additional financial sector experience from senior roles at American Express and Goldman Sachs. He will focus on delivering secure, best-in-class technology services to shape the future of global finance.