The Chief Data Officer (CDO) plays a crucial role in modern businesses, requiring vision, strategy, execution, and real-time problem solving to optimize data infrastructure and deliver business benefits. Acceldata's VP of Global Sales and Field Operations, Dave Yehle, emphasizes the importance of integrating data with business and strategic decisions for better decision-making and improved outcomes. Little Caesars' VP of Global Data and Analytics, Drew Smith, shares how this approach helps in making menu decisions, improving operations, and forecasting restaurant traffic. The key traits a CDO should possess include responsibility, accountability, and the ability to connect data with strategy for faster decision-making with confidence.