Martyn Rhisiart Jones

Segovia, 20th December 2025

Top 5 Trends Shaping the Future of Data, Analytics, and AI Leadership in 2026

I’ve had the privilege of leading a groundbreaking global study in partnership with a strategic client. During this study, I spoke with many key Chief Data Officers (CDOs). I also engaged with Chief Data & Analytics Officers (CDAOs) and AI executives across industries and geographies. The insights reveal how organisations are changing their data and AI strategies. They aim to drive real business value in an increasingly complex world.

Here are the top five trends emerging from the study that every data, analytics, and AI leader should have on their radar in 2025:

1. From Data Ownership to Value Creation: The Rise of Infonomics

Organisations are moving beyond treating data as a cost centre or compliance requirement. The most advanced companies are treating data as an economic asset with measurable value. We’re seeing widespread adoption of information architecture frameworks. Institutions are assigning financial value to data assets. They are tracking their ROI. Data assets are even monetised internally or externally. CDOs are increasingly sitting at the strategy table with CFOs, proving that data isn’t fuel, it’s currency.

2. The CDAO Role Is Becoming the “New CIO” of the AI Era

The role of the Chief Data & Analytics Officer (CDAO) is rapidly expanding. In 2025/2026, the most successful CDAOs are responsible for data and analytics. They also oversee enterprise AI strategy, governance, and ethics. Many organisations are now appointing a single CDAO. This role unifies data, analytics, and AI under one accountable leader. This change mirrors the transformation the CIO role underwent a decade ago. The title might differ (CDAO, CDO, CDAIO), but the mandate is clear: own the data-to-value pipeline.

3. GenAI Is Moving from Experimentation to Industrialisation

While 2023–2025 was the year of generative AI pilots, 2025 will be the year of scaling. Leading organisations will embed GenAI into core business processes. It will be part of customer service, product design, and supply chain optimisation. GenAI will extend to legal and compliance as well. The winners are those who have built robust data foundations, clean data pipelines, and strong governance frameworks. Without them, GenAI becomes expensive experimentation rather than a competitive advantage.

4. Data & AI Governance Is No Longer Optional—It’s a Business Differentiator

Regulatory pressure (GDPR, AI Act, DORA, etc.) combined with rising public scrutiny is forcing organisations to treat data and AI governance as a strategic priority. The most forward-thinking companies are going beyond compliance; they’re using governance as a trust-building tool and a competitive advantage. We’re seeing “responsible AI” frameworks that are both ethical and economically justified, with clear ownership, audit trails, and risk management.

5. The Data Office Is Becoming a Profit Center, Not a Cost Center

The traditional data office is evolving into a strategic business unit that directly contributes to revenue growth and margin improvement. Top-performing organisations measure the value of their data office in hard dollars. This includes revenue uplift from analytics-driven decisions. It also involves cost savings from AI automation and new revenue streams from data products and services. The CDO/CDAO is increasingly judged not on data quality or project delivery, but on the business impact they drive.

Looking Ahead

The convergence of these trends points to a clear future. Data, analytics, and AI are no longer support functions. They are core drivers of organisational success. The most successful leaders are those who can translate technical capabilities into tangible business outcomes. They are also skilled at building trust and governance at scale.

I am thrilled to be leading this study with GoodStrat and Cambriano Energy. I am grateful to all the executives who shared their experiences. The full report will be released in 2026. Stay tuned for deeper insights and broader horizons.

And as Sir Afilonius might put it, “If you believe that you’ll believe anything.”

Many thanks for reading.

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