VIDEO | Quantum Space CDO: The CDO Should Be at the Highest Level of an Organization

(US and Canada) Ron Thompson, Executive Director/CDO at Quantum Space, and Ido Biger, EVP and Chief Technology and Data Officer at Delek US Holdings Inc., speak with Effie Kilmer, CDO Engagement Lead - Data Governance at Microsoft, in a video interview about the transformative power of the CDO role, data culture, emphasizing the importance of data in organizational growth, and unlocking the full potential of data while embracing collaboration and value creation.

At the onset, Thompson states that he discovered the value of data in the business world before retiring. His path led him to NASA during the implementation of the Evidence Act, which introduced the role of the CDO across government agencies.

Biger adds that throughout his career, the evolving role of CDO enabled him to create value from data in a deliberate and measured manner rather than rushing into rapid changes.

Next, Thompson acknowledges that commercial companies have taken the lead in shaping the CDO role compared to public sector organizations. He states that implementing the CDO role varies across organizations and depends on leadership style and maturity.

According to Thompson, organizations initially concentrate on technical elements such as data visualization capabilities. The optimum value of the CDO position, he claims, is only realized when it turns into a business relationship that ensures data consistency, accuracy, and ultimate value. He adds that the role needs to be at the highest level of the organization and urges organizations to embrace the cultural aspects of the CDO role.

Following up, Biger emphasizes that the significance of the CDO role goes beyond simply enabling technology. He states that it is about being a partner and understanding the value creation coming out of it. To succeed, a CDO must find clever use cases to demonstrate the benefits of data utilization, he adds.

Further, Biger advocates the value of standardizing language, aligning terms, and producing daily reports so that everyone can communicate using the same data-driven language. The organization may harness the potential of data to enhance individual and group performance by aligning various sections and encouraging collaboration, he adds.

To improve turnarounds in his company, Biger describes a successful use case of a data tool. He claims that the application gave personnel involved in the turnaround process daily insights that helped them make better decisions and enhance operational results. In conclusion, he states that embedding the right tools into specific use cases demonstrates the value-creation potential of data-driven initiatives.

CDO Magazine appreciates Ron Thompson and Ido Biger for sharing their insights and data success stories with our global community.