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

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  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

11:55am - 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  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  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

3:00pm - 3:45pm  Executive Boardroom

Launching Data Strategy — A Roadmap for Success

For all modern organizations within the digital age, the goal is to build a data strategy that aligns with the goals of the business and creates value. To execute on this, data and analytics leaders should gain buy-in from key stakeholders and showcase measurable impacts of D&A initiatives on the bottom line.

In this session, join your peers to discuss:

  • Identifying the key focus areas for your D&A strategy
  • Showcasing digestible data use cases for leadership buy-in
  • Scaling digital business and generating new revenue streams

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

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