In-Person

Toronto CDAO Community

Executive Summit

December 4, 2025 | Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre

December 4, 2025
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre

Collaborate with your peers

Get together with Toronto's top CDAOs to tackle shared business challenges and critical priorities facing your role today. Participate in this one-day, local program with peer-driven topics and interactive discussions with your true C-level peers.

Join your peers to discuss the most critical issues impacting CDAOs today:

Unlocking Business Value Through Scalable AI

Leading Organizational Change Through Data-First Leadership

Cultivating Confidence in Data to Enable Effective AI Deployment

Toronto CDAO Governing Body

The Governing Body Co-Chairs shape the summit agenda, ensuring that all content is driven By CDAOs, For CDAOs™.

Governing Body Co-Chairs

Allie Grassie

Canadian Red Cross
Lead, Digital and Data Transformation Execution

Joe Greenwood

Mastercard
Vice President, AI & Data Growth

Della Shea

CIBC
Head of Operational Risk, Data, AI and Advanced Technologies

Aida Tahiri

Mattamy Homes Limited
VP of Finance, Planning, Data, and Analytics

Eugene Wen

Manulife
VP & Global Chief Data Scientist

What to Expect

Interactive Sessions

Hear from CDAO practitioners and thought leaders on how they're solving critical challenges impacting your role today in Keynote sessions, and join smaller, interactive discussions with your peers in Breakout and Boardroom sessions.

Community Networking

Make new connections and catch up with old friends in casual conversations during dedicated time for networking designed to better acquaint you with your Toronto CDAO community.

Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Connect with like-minded peers in a private, one-on-one setting through Peer-to-Peer Meetings. You will be matched with peers in your community based on your shared interests and priorities.

Agenda

December 4, 2025

8:00am - 8:30am  Registration & Breakfast

8:30am - 9:15am  Keynote

The Art of Influence — Securing Buy-In for Data-Driven Transformation

Ramila Peiris headshot

Ramila Peiris

Global Head, Data Management, ML & AI Platform, MSAT

Sanofi

Driving successful data and AI initiatives requires more than technical expertise—it demands the ability to influence and inspire stakeholders and executives across the organization. True business transformation happens at the intersection of technology, data and people, where leadership fosters a data-driven culture and empowers teams to embrace change.

In this keynote session explore proven strategies for:

  • Building executive and stakeholder alignment for data and AI initiatives
  • Communicating business value and ROI to diverse audiences
  • Navigating organizational resistance and build momentum for fostering a culture of support

9:15am - 9:40am  Networking Break

9:40am - 10:25am  Breakout Session

Governance in Action— Metadata, Data Fabric, and Leveraging Generative AI

Ramesh Shurma headshot

Ramesh Shurma

CEO

Orion Governance

 As CDAOs continue to grow in their journeys, it is necessary to ensure your data fabric has a solid foundation on the information as well as the barriers in place accessing it. Governance plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining these barriers, ensuring data integrity and compliance. When we add GenAI into the conversation, how can we leverage this tool to our advantage, ensuring those barriers aren’t compromised? Effective governance strategies are essential to balance innovation with security and ethical considerations. This complex conversation has many considerations, so let's explore them together.

Join this session to learn more about:

  • Overviewing the complexities of Metadata Management
  • Challenging aspects of data fabric as GenAI implementation continues
  • Improving the process of governance models

9:40am - 10:25am  Breakout Session

Redefining Enterprise Leadership as AI, Data, Risk and Cyber Converge

Thomas Mazzaferro headshot

Thomas Mazzaferro

Chief Data Officer

Cyera

Enterprises are standing at a critical inflection point. The convergence of AI, data, risk, and cyber is no longer a future trend, it is the new operating reality. For CDOs, CISOs, and CAIOs, this shift represents both the greatest source of enterprise value creation and the biggest exposure to existential risk.

Join this session to explore:

  • Why AI demands unified governance, risk, and cyber strategies
  • Frameworks for scaling innovation with control, trust, and compliance
  • How top enterprises align AI, data, and cyber to boost resilience and speed transformation

10:25am - 11:10am  Networking Break

10:35am - 11:00am  Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Connect with like-minded peers in a one-on-one setting through Peer-to-Peer Meetings. You will be matched with peers in your community based on your shared interests and priorities.

11:10am - 11:55am  Breakout Session

Power Reliable Agents with Enterprise-Ready Data

Paul Zikopoulos headshot

Paul Zikopoulos

VP, Technology Group Skills Vitality & Enablement

IBM

AI is only as reliable as the data that powers it. Many organizations struggle to unlock structured and unstructured data due to silos, quality issues, and limited access. CDAOs are overcoming these barriers by preparing enterprise data at scale and combining retrieval approaches to improve accuracy, trust, and scalability for agentic AI

Join this session to learn about:

  • Preparing enterprise data for agentic AI applications
  • Combining retrieval approaches to improve AI reliability
  • Real-world strategies for scaling trusted AI across teams

11:10am - 11:55am  Breakout Session

Accelerating AI Value — Transforming Data Debt into Strategic Assets

Gus Kimble headshot

Gus Kimble

Head of Data Analytics Customer Engineering, North America

Google Cloud

Today, maximizing the strategic impact of AI hinges on how effectively we leverage our data, converting existing data challenges into powerful enablers for AI-driven outcomes. We'll explore collective experiences and share actionable insights on building a data foundation that truly fuels enterprise AI initiatives.

Join this session to learn:

  • How to refine your AI driven outcomes

  • Using AI-ready data fabric within the enterprise to consolidate data investments

  • Tactical approaches to elevating data maturity in AI deployment, ROI and cultural adoption

11:10am - 11:55am  Executive Boardroom

Thriving in the Age of Uncertainty

David Datars headshot

David Datars

VP of Corporate Development

Tealium

Data leaders face a paradox: data is both an asset and a liability. Rapid shifts — from privacy regulations to AI — demand resilience and adaptability.

Join this boardroom to explore:

  • Future-proofing governance for an unpredictable compliance era
  • Reducing dependence on volatile tech ecosystems
  • Turning regulatory and technological uncertainty into competitive advantage

11:10am - 11:55am  Executive Boardroom

The Intelligent Enterprise — The Fusion of Analytics, Automation, and AI

Heather Harris headshot

Heather Harris

Field Chief Data & Analytics Officer

Alteryx

The convergence of AI, analytics, and intelligent automation is creating a new era of autonomous business processes. CDAOs can move beyond fragmented systems to provide rapid insights, optimized decision-making, and unprecedented efficiency across the enterprise. Governing AI and analytic processes while enabling the business accelerates AI adoption and innovation
Join this session to discuss:

  • Principles for governing and operationalizing the intelligent enterprise
  • Steps to uplevel and create a technology and AI forward workforce
  • Lessons for leaders for creating a culture of AI and analytics

11:55am - 12:30pm  Lunch Service

12:30pm - 1:05pm  Keynote

Boosting Success Through Data Governance & Self-Service

Emma McGrattan headshot

Emma McGrattan

Chief Technology Officer

Actian

In the AI era, data insights must reach beyond data teams to empower all business functions. As organizations strive to keep pace with rapid AI advancements, internal teams need self-service access to trusted data to drive business outcomes. Achieving true data governance and democratization requires more than access—it demands a fundamental shift in how organizations manage and share their data assets.

Join this session to explore:

  • Evolving governance for trusted, self-service data access
  • Ensuring data quality and reliability for AI success
  • Empowering all teams with timely, governed data insights

1:05pm - 1:30pm  Break

1:30pm - 2:15pm  Breakout Session

Shifting Mindsets—The Role of Governance and Leadership in Organizational Adaptability

Carol Henry headshot

Carol Henry

Senior Director, Data Governance & Analytics

Longo's

Implementing data governance requires more than technical expertise—it demands a shift in leadership mindsets and behaviors to truly enable organizational adaptability. Leaders play a critical role in helping teams embrace new ways of thinking, empowering organizations to manage data as a strategic asset. Dr. Carol Henry shares research-backed strategies and practical examples for fostering the leadership skillset needed to drive successful data governance.

Join this session to:

  • Discover the influencing behaviors that bring data governance implementations to life
  • Learn how a growth mindset and collaborative decision-making drive adoption
  • Understand the importance of aligning data governance with business priorities

1:30pm - 2:15pm  Gartner Breakout Session

AI Roadmap Mastery — Charting a Course for Real-World Impact

Zeyad Azem headshot

Zeyad Azem

Executive Partner, Data & Analytics

Gartner


As AI rapidly transforms industries, organizations need a clear strategy to unlock its full potential. Learn the essential components of a successful AI program and create a tailored roadmap for your organization’s unique needs. Join an engaging, hands-on workshop designed for data, analytics and AI leaders to collaboratively build effective AI implementation strategies.  

Join this session to learn how to:

  • Break down the seven key work streams for AI success
  • Collaborate to identify impactful AI use cases and assess your organization’s readiness
  • Develop actionable steps for measurable, long-term results


1:30pm - 2:15pm  Executive Boardroom

Attracting and Retaining Critical D&A Talent

 Organizations cannot execute on business initiatives without a successful team — and D&A teams are no exception. Effective CDAOs recognize the importance of attracting the right talent and providing enticing opportunities to retain a top-notch team.

Join this session to discuss:

  • Offering creative opportunities and projects to lure D&A talent
  • Reevaluating the skills needed to successfully execute on D&A initiatives
  • Building a robust pipeline in a rapidly-evolving digital ecosystem

1:30pm - 2:15pm  Executive Boardroom

Elevating Digital Literacy Across Organizations

Engage with peers to explore actionable insights and practical frameworks for enhancing your organization's digital literacy and AI consciousness. This discussion will focus on both successes and challenges, with the ultimate goal of optimizing the benefits of these technologies while preparing for future challenges.

Key topics of interest include:

  • Differentiating AI technologies and their implications
  • Establishing safety guardrails for technology access
  • Cultivating a digital mindset across the organization

2:15pm - 3:00pm  Networking Break

2:25pm - 2:50pm  Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Connect with like-minded peers in a one-on-one setting through Peer-to-Peer Meetings. You will be matched with peers in your community based on your shared interests and priorities.

3:00pm - 3:45pm  Breakout Session

Empowering Enterprise AI — Oversight for Everyday Innovation

Allie Grassie headshot

Allie Grassie

Lead, Digital and Data Transformation Execution

Canadian Red Cross

As everyday AI tools become workplace essentials, enterprises must empower data owners and establish robust oversight. Large Language Models (LLMs) require the same governance as traditional AI models to ensure responsible use and mitigate risks. Discover how to balance innovation with accountability for sustainable enterprise value.

Join this session to learn more about:

  • The importance of governing staff use of LLMs to prevent data and privacy risks
  • How oversight committees and data governance frameworks support ethical and compliant AI adoption
  • Ways to drive sustainable value through collaboration between data owners, oversight and business leaders

3:00pm - 3:45pm  Breakout Session

From Silos to Synergy — Uniting Data Risk and Privacy

James Ki headshot

James Ki

Vice President, Data & Analytics

Canada Life

Brenda McKenna headshot

Brenda McKenna

Chief Privacy Officer

Canada Life

Hardayal Kalla headshot

Hardayal Kalla

AVP, Analytics Delivery & Data Governance

Canada Life

As organizations adapt to rapid advancements in AI, the challenge is making privacy, risk, and governance work seamlessly together. Clear role definition, simplified policies and hands-on execution create a foundation for sustainable data protection. Teams move beyond theory to real-world results by clarifying ownership and embedding privacy into everyday operations.

Join this session as tenured executives from Canada Life discuss:

  • How to eliminate ambiguity by defining precise roles for privacy, risk and governance teams
  • Steps to simplify and operationalize policies for effective, day-to-day data risk management
  • Lessons learned from real organizational journeys in integrating privacy, risk and governance with AI in mind

3:00pm - 3:45pm  Executive Boardroom

Overcoming Barriers to Self-Service Data Success

Ian Williams headshot

Ian Williams

Director of Information Management

Toronto Police Service

Data insights are no longer confined to data teams but are essential across all business functions. Achieving this goal requires overcoming not only technical debt and legacy technology but also significant employee adoption challenges. By prioritizing execution and investing in upskilling, organizations can create a culture of data-driven ownership and outcomes.

Join this session to discuss:

  • Overcoming data democratization challenges
  • Fostering a culture of data-driven ownership
  • Developing talent and investing in technology for business impact

3:45pm - 4:00pm  Networking Break

4:00pm - 4:35pm  Keynote

Body Language Secrets for Enhanced Executive Presence

Chris Ulrich headshot

Chris Ulrich

Body Language Expert

Guest Speaker

Uncovering the mysteries of body language — how people communicate their thoughts and feelings without saying a word — is a decisive first step toward mastering any business and social situation. Top executives know that detecting split-second signals from your team and leadership then taking immediate action is crucial to being a persuasive communicator and problem-solver especially during tricky internal matters or high-level negotiations.

During this session you will learn how to:

  • Move beyond the vacuum of artificial body language to a behavioral approach based on YOU
  • Strengthen interpersonal relationships, be a more decisive leader and manage your nerves better
  • Uncover the less obvious needs of others and improve your team’s confidence and competence

4:35pm - 4:45pm  Closing Comments and Prize Drawing

December 4, 2025

We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming in-person gathering

Gartner cares about the health and safety of our community. If you are feeling unwell, please refrain from attending the conference. At this time, Gartner does not have any health-related requirements in place for attendance. Should this change, we will follow up with updated guidance.

Location

More Information

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre at a reduced conference rate. Reservations should be made online or by calling 800-905-0667 . Please mention Toronto Executive Summit to ensure the appropriate room rate.

Deadline to book using the discounted room rate of $289 CAD (plus tax) is October 30, 2025.

Your Community Sponsors

CDAO Thought Leader

Key Sponsors

Program Sponsors

Community Program Manager

For inquiries related to this community, please reach out to your dedicated contact.

Latasha Dorsey

Community Program Manager

latasha.dorsey@gartner.com