Role Overview for Chief Data Officer with a Global Financial Institution – New York, NY
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier global financial institution in their search for a transformative Chief Data Officer (CDO). Based in their strategic hub of New York, NY, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of a multi-trillion dollar enterprise. The successful candidate will be the central figure in harnessing the power of data as a strategic asset, driving innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, mitigating risk, and unlocking new revenue streams across all business lines.
As the CDO, you will report directly to the C-suite and will be entrusted with the development and execution of an enterprise-wide data and analytics vision. You will be at the forefront of a cultural shift, championing a data-first mindset throughout the organization. This position demands a unique blend of strategic foresight, deep technical expertise, financial industry acumen, and inspirational leadership.
You will build and lead a world-class global data organization, overseeing everything from data governance and quality to advanced analytics and machine learning implementation. This is not merely a technical role; it is a business-critical leadership position that will directly influence the firm’s competitive standing and long-term success in an increasingly data-driven financial landscape. You will be the organization’s chief data evangelist, responsible for articulating the value of data-driven decision-making to the board, executive peers, regulators, and employees at all levels.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Data Officer with a Global Financial Institution – New York, NY
The Chief Data Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate. Key responsibilities are segmented across several core pillars of data leadership:
Enterprise Data Strategy & Vision
Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive, forward-looking enterprise data strategy that aligns directly with the institution’s overarching business objectives. You will create a clear roadmap for data management, analytics, and technology adoption, ensuring that data initiatives deliver measurable business value and a significant return on investment. This includes identifying opportunities for data monetization and creating new data-driven products and services.
Data Governance, Quality, and Compliance
Establish and chair a robust, federated data governance framework. You will define data policies, standards, and procedures to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of the firm’s critical data assets. A key focus will be on ensuring strict compliance with global financial regulations (e.g., BCBS 239, CCAR, GDPR, CCPA) and managing data as a regulated asset. You will oversee the implementation of data quality programs, metadata management, and data lineage tracking to build trust and confidence in enterprise data.
Data Architecture & Technology Modernization
Lead the vision for the firm’s data architecture and technology ecosystem. You will oversee the design and implementation of a modern, scalable, and secure data platform, leveraging cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP), data lakes, and warehousing solutions. Your leadership will guide the evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies in the data space, including AI/ML platforms, advanced data integration tools, and real-time processing capabilities, to ensure the firm remains at the cutting edge.
Advanced Analytics & Business Intelligence
Cultivate a center of excellence for analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. You will build and lead a high-performing team of data scientists, analysts, and engineers to extract actionable insights from complex datasets. You will partner with business units to solve their most pressing challenges, from algorithmic trading and risk modeling to customer personalization and fraud detection. Your goal is to democratize data and analytics, empowering business users with self-service BI tools and dashboards that drive informed decision-making. You will champion the development of a modern analytics operating model to accelerate the delivery of insights.
Leadership, Culture, and Talent Development
Build, mentor, and lead a large, geographically dispersed organization of data professionals. You will be responsible for attracting, developing, and retaining top-tier talent in a highly competitive market. As a key member of the executive leadership team, you will foster a data-driven culture across the entire enterprise, promoting data literacy and acting as a change agent. You will manage a significant budget, oversee vendor relationships, and communicate the data strategy and its successes to the Board of Directors and other senior stakeholders.
Requirements for the Chief Data Officer with a Global Financial Institution – New York, NY
The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of leading data functions within complex, regulated environments. We are seeking a strategic thinker with the ability to execute flawlessly.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in data management, data science, analytics, and/or technology roles, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., CDO, Head of Data & Analytics, Global Head of Data Architecture) within a large-scale organization.
Financial Services Acumen
Deep and extensive experience within the financial services industry is mandatory. Candidates must have a strong understanding of capital markets, retail banking, asset management, or wealth management, including the associated products, business processes, and regulatory landscape.
Strategic Leadership
Demonstrated success in developing and executing an enterprise-wide data strategy that has delivered tangible business outcomes, such as revenue growth, cost reduction, or risk mitigation. Experience presenting to and influencing executive committees and boards of directors is essential.
Technical & Architectural Depth
Comprehensive knowledge of modern data architecture principles, including cloud-based data platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), data warehousing, data lakes, and streaming data technologies. Strong familiarity with data governance tools, data quality frameworks, and metadata management solutions. A firm grasp of AI/ML concepts and their practical application in finance is required.
Regulatory Expertise
In-depth understanding of global data-related regulations impacting the financial industry, including data privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA) and financial reporting and risk data aggregation principles (e.g., BCBS 239).
Transformational Leadership
Proven ability to lead large, global teams and drive cultural change in a complex, matrixed environment. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills are paramount. You must be able to translate complex technical concepts into clear business language.
Educational Background
An advanced degree (Master’s, MBA, or PhD) in a quantitative or technical field such as Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related discipline is strongly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a world-class compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain the industry’s best talent. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (equity-based awards).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents. Access to executive wellness programs, mental health resources, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Retirement & Financial Planning
A generous 401(k) plan with a substantial company match, along with access to personalized financial planning and advisory services.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, comprehensive parental leave, and flexible work arrangements that recognize the demands of a senior leadership role.
Professional Development
A significant annual budget for continuous learning, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and specialized certifications.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates who are not currently based in the New York metropolitan area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive retained search firm for this confidential Chief Data Officer engagement. We invite qualified and interested candidates to submit their resumes and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and strategic vision for this role. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
To be considered for this unique opportunity, please apply directly through JRG Partners. You can learn more about our expertise in this domain by visiting our specialized Data & Analytics executive search practice. We are committed to a transparent and diligent recruitment process.
Our client is an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
