It's a fair question—and one that comes up more often as AI, data, and product lines blur inside the enterprise.

The short answer? Some CEOs are moving on from the old version of the CDO. The one focused on compliance, cataloging, governance checklists, and reports that never quite change business outcomes.

But CEOs aren't moving on from the need for data and AI leadership. They're moving toward something more integrated, more accountable, and more strategic.

They're looking for someone who: Thinks in products, not pipelines, 

Speaks the language of business strategy, Can embed AI into decisions, workflows, and revenue Understands change management and can drive outcomes, not artifacts

In other words: they still need a CDO—but the job has changed.

From Data Steward to Strategic Operator

The legacy CDO was often reactive. Brought in to clean up the data mess or satisfy regulatory pressure. The new generation CDO is proactive:

• They drive value, not just visibility

• They align with product, tech, and ops

• They act as internal consultants and execution partners

The shift isn’t about titles. It’s about expectations. And for CDOs who can deliver against those expectations, the opportunity has never been greater.

So what should aspiring CDOs focus on?

1. Business fluency: Know the P&L, know how your company makes money

2. Product thinking: Frame data as value, not just assets

3. Org alignment: Partner with product, engineering, finance, and HR

4. Execution mindset: Be the one who ships, not just advises

The companies that "move on" from their CDOs? They never had the right version to begin with.

The ones that get it? They're giving CDOs a seat at the table—or rebranding them as Chief AI Officers, Chief Product/Data Officers, or strategic transformation leaders.

Either way, the work matters more than the title. And the next generation of data execs are already stepping up.