Dive Brief:

• Enterprises are rushing to rethink data strategy as executives push for generative AI adoption, according to a Gartner survey of nearly 500 chief data and analytics officers conducted in September, October and November.
• More than 3 in 5 organizations beefed up data operating models in response to disruptive AI technologies last year, the analyst firm found. More than one-third of respondents said their company’s architecture will be overhauled in the next 12 to 18 months.
• The focus on data operations has elevated the chief data and analytics officer role, Gartner Distinguished VP Analyst Alan Duncan said in a release. “While the management of their organization’s D&A operating model is increasing year over year, no other role than the CDAO has the responsibility of many of the key enablers of AI,” Duncan said.

Dive Insight:
Organizations are discovering that there is no AI strategy in the absence of a robust and agile data foundation. In response, companies like American Honda have promoted data to the top of the IT organization, the automobile manufacturer’s VP of IT Bob Brizendine said during a March CIO Dive event.