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Read full reportInsights and Strategic Directions from 270 CDOs in Australia and New Zealand
Factor conducted our CDO Wave of Change survey of over 270 respondents (CDOs and data leaders) across Australia and New Zealand from November 2023 to March 2024, identifying their challenges, strategic focus, investment opportunities, and digital priorities. These insights can help industry participants navigate the complexities of the modern data landscape, develop effective strategies, and achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly dynamic environment.
Key Findings
Aligning Strategic Initiatives with Business Goals: Respondents highlight the importance of cross-functional teamwork and integration in achieving cohesive organisational objectives.
- The survey reveals that nearly half (49%) of respondents align their department's strategic initiatives with broader business goals through direct collaboration with business unit leaders.
- Continuous feedback loops with departmental heads (18%) and representation in strategic planning sessions (16%) are also notable strategies, indicating a robust effort to ensure that data and technology initiatives are well-aligned with the overall business strategy.
Current Data Initiatives Focus on Streamlining Operational Efficiency: The trend highlights the ongoing pressure on organisations to optimise their processes and achieve cost savings.
- 34% of the respondents identify streamlining operational efficiency and reducing costs as the primary focus of their current major initiatives.
- Supporting innovation and new product/service development (22%) and improving decision-making processes across departments (18%) are also key areas of focus, reflecting a balanced approach to enhancing both efficiency and innovation.
- Enhancing customer insights and engagement (17%) and ensuring security, privacy, and compliance (9%) are critical to maintaining competitive advantage and meeting regulatory requirements.
Advanced Analytics and AI - The Future of Competitive Edge: Majority of the survey respondents accepted the transformative potential of advanced analytics and AI in driving business performance and differentiation.
- 54% respondents foresee advanced analytics and AI as providing the most significant competitive advantage in the next 2-3 years.
- Digital transformation and cloud services (19%) and cybersecurity and data protection (16%) are also seen as vital areas..
- The focus on governance, risk management, and compliance (11%) highlights the need for robust frameworks to manage the risks associated with digital initiatives.
For more information please click "Read full Report".
Exclusive membership organisation, Factor, has launched a new Research and Advisory arm, aimed at helping both C-Suite leaders and providers in the enterprise and public sectors.
It comes after Factor rebranded at the beginning of the 24/25 financial year, with the new identity representing an expanded vision and commitment to offering top-tier thought leadership and networking opportunities to senior executives across ANZ, Singapore and a number of other countries and regions. Now, the new arm of Factor is being spearheaded by VP and Head of Research Craig Baty and VP of Advisory Partnerships Shayne Arundell.
Factor
With over 30 years of C-level experience in ICT, HR, marketing, sales, operations, market research, and international business, Craig brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Factor.
“I’m pleased to be part of Factor’s expansion into Research & Advisory services, and I’m looking forward to sharing actionable insights with our members and providers to guide them on best practices in the market,” says Craig.
Craig has held a number of C-level roles including his own start-up, Global VP Global Marketing and VP Digital Services in Fujitsu Tokyo HQ and CTO & Head of Marketing for APAC. He also served as Distinguished Lead Analyst for ISG and established the Provider Lens research arm in AP. As Group VP and Head of Research for Gartner AP/J and CEO of Gartner Japan he earned the first AP/J Gartner Thought Leadership award, established what is now Gartner for Marketing, and pioneered the Gartner SWOT analysis methodology.
Factor
While, Shayne Arundell, a seasoned leader with a proven track record of success in the APAC region. Bringing over 15 years of Partnerships experience to Factor from FMCG, Fintech and Research and Advisory industries.
Shayne is also a Gartner alumni, previously serving as Director of Enterprise Sales, and as APAC Vice President for Intelligence Cloud at Korn Ferry, both being leading global consulting firms.
“Factor is the newest leader in advisory, backed by fiercely local insights, from an extensive market research database you won’t see anywhere else,” Shayne explains.
Within our expertise Factor will cover a range of topics, including, but not limited to:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Cyber Security
- 5G Landscape
- Hybrid Cloud
- Technology Profitability
- AU Fintech
- Digital Transformation and Enablement
- CX, EX, UX
Both Craig and Shayne are supported by Factor’s team of experts and analysts, including Director of Insights and Value, Darren Adams, who is a highly regarded professional in the APAC data and analytics space, drawing on his experience in communications, client relations, B2B marketing, data and strategy in the technology sector.
“People are at the heart of everything we do at Factor, and data is our key in transforming their interactions into understandings. I'm excited to share cutting-edge insights and understanding with our community, to help foster deeper, lasting and beneficial connections,” Darren says.
While Factor’s Editor-In-Chief, Madeline Palmer, an expert media professional, oversees a broad range of strategic, editorial, and managerial tasks to ensure the production and dissemination off high-quality research content.
“Our new membership app will be one-stop shop for all technology leaders to connect and learn through events, advisory and multi-media content, and I am looking forward to being part of that journey,” says Madeline.
The Directions™ portal on Factor’s new membership app is a cutting-edge platform, allowing users explore a repository of reports and other content, as well as create their own research visualisations with Factor’s existing database.
Factor’s CEO and founder, Josh Heid, says this new phase for the company is something he’s been working towards for quite some time.
“After six incredible years of empowering and enabling leaders, our rebrand as Factor, coupled with the launch of our Research and Advisory arm, is about offering our members and providers with the best services and products the market can offer,” Josh explains. “I’m very proud of the team at Factor and what we have built.”
For more information about Factor’s new Research and Advisory offerings click below.
