CDO Magazine is proud to unveil the inaugural list of the Top 50 Data Changemakers in the Energy Sector — an elite group of innovators who are at the forefront of an industry undergoing seismic change. The list exemplifies several striking shifts in how data and technology are reshaping the way power is generated, transmitted, and consumed.

The energy industry is currently facing a confluence of headline-grabbing challenges and opportunities. The nature of how we explore and consume oil and gas is evolving. The transition to renewable energy is accelerating, driven by both policy initiatives and market forces. Simultaneously, the demand for electricity is increasing dramatically due to the rapid expansion of data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

Adding to this complexity is the geographical mismatch between where renewable energy is generated and where it is ultimately consumed. The role of data in optimizing energy delivery has never been more crucial, and data is being leveraged in new and innovative ways to meet these evolving demands.

A broad view of data leadership: Beyond traditional CDO roles

The list of honorees reflects the changing dynamics within the industry. While roughly a quarter of the honorees hold the title of Chief Data Officer (CDO) and another 6% are Chief Information Officers (CIOs), the largest number of recipients are data leaders from outside these designated data leadership roles.

In fact, 50% of this year’s honorees hold titles including AI, Analytics, Data Enablement, and Data Strategy. Although the role of CDO is still fairly nascent across the energy sector, awareness of the need for data strategies, enablement, and literacy is becoming widespread.

Interestingly, 20% of the honorees lie outside of any role that focuses directly on data or data governance; and about half of those are front-line leaders of transmission business teams and organizations delivering power to consumers. These leaders are pioneering the adoption of cutting-edge data-driven technologies that are transforming energy infrastructure, but lie outside a CDO’s purview. The advancements underscore how IT-derived technologies are now fundamental to the transformation of power grids, blurring the lines between traditional data roles and operational leadership.

Not many enterprises have the honor of receiving more than one recognition. Dominion Energy is one of only two commercial enterprises with this distinction (the other being The Southern Company), which gives Dominion’s two honorees a strong perspective on the future of cooperation between their CIO/CDO role and business unit management.

“Here, we’re working hard to build connections at multiple levels across the two domains – the CDO’s office and the business units,” says Dr. Kevin Jones, from Dominion Energy’s Electric Transmission business. “We’re driving towards complementary, not contradictory, data-driven visions of how the business and network operate. We’re shifting from our historic mode of simple supplier-like commitments to actively working to enable each other’s success. I think this dual honor reflects that balance and teamwork.”

How the selection breaks out by industry

Front-line power utilities dominate the list, and when combined with our two honorees from Independent System Operators (ISOs), make up nearly 50%. This is not surprising given the large number of utilities at work in North America bringing safe and reliable power to consumers in the face of growing challenges.

Abdul Mohammed, an honoree from the Midcontinent ISO (MISO), reflects on the hard work: “The energy industry is going through a significant change in terms of generation mix and load profile. We need to transform the way we manage the grid, and data is key to intelligence-driven operations of the future. Data, Analytics, and AI transformation require a change in the mindset of digital teams who drive the change, and business teams that will adopt the new technologies. Building a common vision that is supported by all leadership levels in the organization and external partnerships are key parts of the strategy. The execution will need leaders and experts who are willing to push boundaries and have a continuous learning mindset.”

Beyond the power utilities and ISOs, the next largest group of honorees comes from National Laboratories and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Following those, the oil and gas industry, including upstream and downstream operations, is well represented with 14% of the total.

The remaining honorees come equally from electric generation specialists (both traditional and solar), hardware suppliers, and “other” which includes consultants and market-makers, at 4% each.

The DOE and National Laboratories’ strong influence on data-driven innovation

The Department of Energy makes a strong showing on this inaugural list, a testament to its exceptional contributions to both data-driven strategy and forward-thinking energy research. Robert King, the DOE Chief Data Officer, says: “The U.S. Department of Energy is proud to see so many of its data thought leaders and trailblazers recognized in CDO Magazine’s Top 50 Data Changemakers in the Energy Sector list. Their leadership is enabling transformative discoveries in applied energy research and national security through the harnessing of data to drive maturity in data science and artificial intelligence. As data is the foundation for cutting-edge AI and scientific advancements, these trailblazers’ expertise and innovation are truly advancing the agency’s mission; shaping a smarter, more efficient, and more secure future.” King congratulates these leaders who are “leveraging data to power progress.”

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the list is the strong presence of national laboratories which are playing a critical role in shaping the future of energy. Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratories are among the honorees.

Three of our honorees from the national labs hold the title of CDO, while the rest equally represent senior positions in data and analytics, and senior scientists and engineers working on advanced research initiatives to modernize the grid for green energy. Their expertise is instrumental in developing new technologies and methodologies to enhance energy resilience and grid stability, and facilitate the large-scale integration of renewable energy sources.

Pioneering the future of energy

This list of Top 50 Data Changemakers in the Energy Sector highlights the expanding role of data in shaping the future of energy. No longer confined to organizational transformation — a responsibility historically overseen by the CDO — data is now actively influencing the very nature of power sourcing and delivery. The honorees are highly-skilled innovative leaders committed to driving meaningful change at the forefront of North America’s energy evolution.

As the energy sector continues to evolve in response to emerging technologies and shifting market dynamics, these changemakers are poised to lead the way. Their contributions will play a pivotal role in ensuring a smarter, more resilient, and sustainable energy future for generations to come.

About the Author:

Fred Knops, is Senior Vice President at Data Society and head of Utility Group. Data Society works with utilities across North America to help them address the transition to cleaner sources of energy, address pressing data challenges, and refine their operational process for greater speed, precision, and predictability.