Chief Data Officer (CDO)

Interim Chief Data Officer (Consultant)

Contract: 6 Months

Rate: £1,000 - £1,250 per day

Location: London (Hybrid – 3 days onsite)

Overview

We are seeking an accomplished Interim Chief Data Officer (CDO) to partner with a global brand during a critical phase of its data, digital, and AI transformation. Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer, this role will provide executive-level leadership to define, evolve, and execute an enterprise-wide data and AI strategy that accelerates business value, innovation, and operational excellence.

This is a highly visible role requiring strategic vision, hands-on leadership, and the ability to make immediate impact within a complex, matrixed organisation. The successful candidate will assess current data maturity, establish a scalable and future-ready data operating model, and embed AI-driven insights across the organisation.

Role and Responsibilities

Data & AI Strategy Leadership

• Own and drive the enterprise Data and AI strategy, ensuring alignment with broader digital, technology, and business objectives.
• Identify and prioritise opportunities where AI, advanced analytics, and automation can deliver measurable commercial and operational value.
• Shape the organisation's long-term vision for data as a strategic asset.

Enterprise Data Capability & Operating Model

• Assess current data, analytics, and AI capabilities across the organisation, identifying gaps, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Define and support the development of a target data operating model, including governance, platforms, tooling, and ways of working.
• Establish a structured framework for data management, quality, governance, and ethics, ensuring scalability and regulatory compliance.

Execution & Value Realisation

• Oversee data audits and maturity assessments, translating findings into clear, actionable roadmaps.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality insights and analytics to support executive and operational decision-making.
• Support the Data / Digital function in both day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives, ensuring momentum and delivery throughout the interim period.

Stakeholder & Executive Engagement

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, collaborating closely with technology, digital, product, and business teams.
• Influence and align internal and external stakeholders around shared data and AI priorities.
• Clearly communicate complex data and AI concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Culture, Standards & Best Practice

• Champion a culture of data excellence, innovation, and AI literacy across the organisation.
• Promote best practices in data governance, responsible AI, and analytics standards.
• Support capability uplift across teams through guidance, coaching, and thought leadership.

Skills and Experience

• Proven experience operating at Chief Data Officer, Head of Data, or equivalent executive-level role within large, complex organisations.
• Strong background in data strategy, AI, advanced analytics, and digital transformation at enterprise scale.
• Demonstrated ability to assess data maturity and rapidly design and implement pragmatic, value-driven solutions.
• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to influence at C-suite level.
• Highly analytical, curious, and thoughtful approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• Experience working within matrix organisations, managing multiple priorities and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data and AI insights into clear business outcomes.