The Everywhere Executive: How Modern CDAOs Support Cross-Portfolio Decision Making

As organisations evolve in their data maturity, so too does the role of the Chief Data and Analytics Officer (CDAO). What started as a technical position focused on data infrastructure has transformed into something far more comprehensive and strategically vital. Through my journey as CDAO at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, I have observed an intriguing evolution that points to the future of data leadership.

The Evolution of the CDAO

The CDAO role has progressed through several generations:

1. First Generation: Data Infrastructure and Governance
2. Second Generation: Business Intelligence and Reporting
3. Third Generation: Advanced Analytics and Insights
4. Fourth Generation: Strategic Decision Support Across Portfolios

This fourth generation represents a fundamental shift in how data leadership serves an organisation. No longer confined to traditional data management and analytics, the modern CDAO effectively functions as a universal strategic advisor – or as I have come to realise, an ‘Everywhere Executive’.

The Birth of the Everywhere Executive

The concept crystallised for me when implementing our ‘single version of truth’ data products. These tools don't just aggregate information; they triangulate insights across multiple disciplines and business areas, providing hidden connections and strategic recommendations that touch every executive portfolio.

Consider these interactions:

• For the CEO: Strategic direction validation through cross-functional data patterns
• For the COO: Operational efficiency insights derived from multiple data streams
• For the CFO: Financial implications extracted from operational and clinical data
• For the CNO: Nursing insights connected to wider organisational patterns
• For the CMO: Clinical effectiveness linked to operational and financial metrics

Beyond Traditional Boundaries

What makes this evolution particularly powerful is its ability to:

1. Identify cross-portfolio opportunities that might be missed in siloed analysis
2. Provide consistent, interconnected insights across all executive decisions
3. Support integrated strategic planning through comprehensive data narratives
4. Enable more cohesive executive decision-making

The Power of Universal Context

Through this lens, the modern CDAO serves as a unique kind of chief of staff to the entire executive team. We provide:

• Cross-functional intelligence
• Hidden pattern recognition
• Strategic recommendation synthesis
• Integrated decision support
• Universal context for executive decisions

Cultural Evolution Through Data

This evolution isn't just about technology or analytics. By serving as an ‘Everywhere Executive’, modern CDAOs help foster:

• More integrated decision-making cultures
• Better cross-functional collaboration
• Enhanced strategic alignment
• Stronger organisational coherence

Making It Work in Practice

Success in this evolved role requires:

1. Strong relationship building across all executive portfolios
2. Deep understanding of each function's strategic priorities
3. Ability to translate data insights for different audiences
4. Skills in facilitating cross-functional collaboration
5. Capacity to maintain strategic overview while managing technical delivery

The Future of Data Leadership

As organisations continue their data maturity journey, the ‘Everywhere Executive’ model of CDAO leadership will become increasingly vital. This evolution represents not just a change in role, but a transformation in how organisations leverage data for strategic success.

What makes this particularly exciting is the opportunity to:

• Break down traditional silos
• Enable more integrated decision-making
• Foster innovation through cross-functional insights
• Drive organisational coherence through data

Looking Ahead

The future CDAO will be less about managing data and more about enabling integrated strategic decision-making across the entire organisation. By embracing this ‘Everywhere Executive’ role, we can help our organisations achieve new levels of strategic coherence and operational excellence.

The question isn't whether this evolution will happen, but how quickly organisations will recognise and embrace this transformative approach to data leadership.

Rowland Agidee MSc CHCIO CITP FEDIPAdvPra is Chief Data and Analytics Officer at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, where he leads data transformation and innovation initiatives. He pioneers innovative approaches to data communication, including the integration of African Oral Traditional Storytelling (AOTS) principles in technical presentations.

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