The Executive Guide to the Data Strategy Track at the Data + AI Summit

Driving business transformation with data and AI takes more than the right tools — it needs the right strategy. That’s why the Data Strategy track at the Data + AI Summit is designed specifically for business executives.

Across 20+ sessions, global leaders from finance, healthcare, retail, and government will share how they’re modernizing platforms, embedding AI into their operations, enabling talent, and building governance that scales. Whether you're charting your AI strategy, modernizing legacy systems, or shifting toward a data-first culture, this track will give you the frameworks, real-world case studies, and executive insights you need to lead confidently as you implement the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform at scale.

Join leaders from Mastercard, GM Financial, JP Morgan Chase, GovTech, National Australia Bank (NAB), and more as they share what’s working for them as they deploy Unity Catalog, AI/BI, and Mosaic AI in their organizations.

Why the Data Strategy Track Matters to Executives

The pace of innovation in data and AI is accelerating — but for most organizations, challenges like legacy infrastructure, siloed data, inconsistent governance, and unclear AI strategies continue to slow progress. Meanwhile, the pressure to deliver business value from data has never been higher.

The Data Strategy track helps executives tackle these challenges head-on by focusing on five key priorities:

• Aligning AI and data initiatives with business outcomes
• Modernizing data infrastructure for agility and scale
• Building a culture of data literacy and continuous upskilling
• Operationalizing governance, privacy, and compliance
• Creating repeatable strategies that drive ROI and resilience

Whether you’re a CDO, CIO, CTO or business leader driving digital transformation, this track gives you a clear view of how leading organizations are implementing the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to unify their data, AI, and governance strategies.

Core Themes in the Data Strategy Track

1. Data Modernization & Infrastructure Transformation

Legacy systems can hold your business back. Hear how companies like NAB, Rheem, Techcombank, Frontier Airlines, and Morgan Stanley have successfully modernized their data platforms — shifting to the Databricks Data Intelligence platform and building on a Lakehouse architecture to enable agility, scale, and cost savings.

2. AI Strategy and Enablement

AI can’t succeed without the right foundation. Join Lexy Kassan for a fast-paced, executive-focused AI strategy workshop, and hear how Veeam, GM Financial, JP Morgan, and Valentino embed AI in everything from customer intelligence to operational efficiency and personalization.

3. Culture, Talent & Organizational Readiness

Great tools are meaningless without great people. Sessions from 84.51˚, FrieslandCampina, and the Databricks Enablement team will show how companies are investing in data fluency, upskilling cross-functional teams, and empowering citizen data scientists.

4. Governance, Compliance & Trust

Trust is the backbone of innovation. Learn how organizations like Mastercard, Goldman Sachs, and Standard Chartered Bank are operationalizing privacy, access controls, and secure data collaboration using Clean Rooms, Unity Catalog, and enterprise-grade governance.

5. Industry-Specific Strategy & Innovation

From public sector to luxury retail, see how leaders are applying data strategy to solve their industry’s toughest challenges in healthcare, financial services and retail, media & CPG.

What You'll Take Away

After attending the Data Strategy track, you’ll walk away with:

• Actionable frameworks for building your data and AI roadmap
• Real-world examples of how organizations are delivering ROI through the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform
• Proven approaches for governance, upskilling, and aligning strategy across business and IT

Who Should Attend

This track is tailored for decision-makers and transformation leaders, including:

• Chief Data Officers (CDOs), CIOs, CTOs
• Heads of Data, Analytics, or Strategy
• Business executives leading data and AI initiatives
• Leadership teams operating at the intersection of business and technology

How to Make the Most of the Track

• Register for Data + AI Summit soon! Spots are filling up fast.
• Prioritize your sessions based on the themes most relevant to your business: modernization, governance, AI, or industry transformation
• Attend the 30 minute lightning talk led by Lexy Kassan to kick-start your AI strategy
• Book 1:1 time with Databricks experts and connect with peer executives

Technology leaders today face a paradox: the promise of data and AI has never been greater, yet realizing value at scale can be a challenge. CIOs, CTOs, and CDOs are expected to lead the charge—delivering trusted data, enterprise-wide AI, and operational efficiency, all while managing fragmented architectures, increasing risk, and constrained budgets. The Data Strategy track is your opportunity to hear how today’s most forward-thinking organizations are turning data into a competitive advantage using the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform.

Join us at the Data + AI Summit and leave with the insight, inspiration, and real-world examples you need to lead with confidence. Learn more about how executive and thought leaders use the Databricks Data Intelligence platform here.