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 April 6, highlighted in this edition, we feature key leadership updates at Santander México, Havas Media Network North America, and Eaton, alongside several other notable appointments recently spotlighted on CDO Magazine.

This week’s featured moves:

Havas Media Network North America: Sharona Sankar‑King, Chief Data and Product Officer

Havas Media Network North America has named Sharona Sankar‑King as Chief Data and Product Officer. Reporting to the CEO, Sankar‑King leads the agency’s data, technology, and product strategy, including the Converged.AI platform, across the U.S. and Canada. With over 25 years of experience at firms like Bain & Company and BBDO, she is tasked with combining human intelligence with machine capability to deliver faster, smarter, and more accountable outcomes.

Scrubbed: Kendrick Geluz Kho, Chief AI Officer

Global professional services firm Scrubbed has appointed applied AI leader Kendrick Geluz Kho as Chief AI Officer. Kho, who brings extensive experience from venture investing and data science at firms like Hone Capital and Fourth Realm, will lead the company’s applied AI strategy. His focus is on implementing practical, people-centered solutions that improve financial accuracy and efficiency while enabling professionals to focus on complex client needs.

Santander México: Alejandro Zarate, Chief Data & Artificial Intelligence Officer

Santander México has welcomed Alejandro Zarate as Chief Data & Artificial Intelligence Officer and Executive Director. Zarate joins from Marsh, where he was Global Head of Data Strategy & AI Innovation. At Santander, he will lead the bank’s enterprise AI strategy, overseeing the development of generative AI initiatives, data governance frameworks, and machine learning capabilities across risk, operations, and customer experience.

University of Pennsylvania: Joshua Beeman, VP for IT and Chief Information Officer

The University of Pennsylvania has elevated Joshua Beeman to Vice President for Information Technology and University CIO. Beeman, who has been with Penn for nearly 16 years, previously served as Associate VP and Associate CIO. His leadership will continue to focus on advancing the technology infrastructure and enterprise services that support the university’s research, teaching, and broader digital strategy.

Department of the Air Force: Chandra Donelson, Strategic Advisor for Enterprise HR IT Modernization, Analytics & AI

Chandra Donelson, CDAO for the U.S. Space Force, has been tapped as Strategic Advisor for the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower & Reserve Affairs. In this role, Donelson will support the modernization of IT and AI within the human capital enterprise for 700,000 personnel. Her appointment signals a shift toward integrating data leadership directly into HR portfolios to drive workforce transformation and operational efficiency.

Eaton: Ross Schalmo, VP, Chief Data & AI Officer

Eaton has expanded the role of Ross Schalmo to Vice President, Chief Data & AI Officer. Having served as the company’s Chief Data Officer since 2022, Schalmo’s expanded mandate includes deepening Eaton’s AI strategy and continuing the digital transformation of its supply chain and sustainability initiatives. A veteran of General Electric, Schalmo also serves on the CDO Magazine Global Board.