Colgate-Palmolive has made a deliberate and sustained investment in cultivating a technically capable data organization and a company-wide culture where data and AI are embedded into the rhythm of daily decision-making. This is not about box-ticking or trend-chasing but instead is about a deep transformation grounded in leadership, learning, and long-term impact.
At the heart of Colgate-Palmolive’s success is its Data Literacy and Analytics Academy, a global initiative designed to make data accessible, relevant, and actionable for everyone; from executives to front-line employees. The fact that over 14,000 employees have proactively engaged with this program speaks volumes about its reach and effectiveness.
What sets Colgate-Palmolive apart is the top-down reinforcement of this culture. CEO Noel Wallace endorsed analytics training and completed it himself, then publicly shared his experience, setting a tone that data and analytics are part of everyone’s job. This is the kind of visible leadership that transforms culture from a strategy slide into a lived reality.
Beyond basic literacy, Colgate-Palmolive has implemented targeted AI training for every non-plant worker, introducing principles, prompting techniques, ethical frameworks, and division-specific bootcamps. This kind of universal upskilling, tailored to job function and responsibility, reflects a clear understanding that the future of work is AI-augmented.
Colgate-Palmolive excels in measuring what matters. Analytics programs are rigorously assessed by participation rates and by their contribution to business outcomes: revenue growth, cost efficiency, and time saved. There is a clear discipline in prioritizing high value use cases, and in embedding analytics within core business processes, rather than treating it as a siloed function.
The internal feedback loop is also robust. Through the Colgate Connect survey programs, employee sentiment is continually monitored and acted upon. The Global Analytics team has reported record-high engagement in recent years, driven by clear strategy, growth opportunities, and strong management. Programs like mentoring, communities of practice, and internal recognition awards have helped create capable, cohesive, and motivated teams.
Regarding leadership, Colgate-Palmolive elevates analytics to the C-suite. Diana Schildhouse, Chief Data, Analytics, and Insights Officer, Colgate-Palmolive (DataIQ US 100 number one and number four in 2023 and 2024 respectively), sits on the executive committee, ensuring data-driven thinking is integral to enterprise strategy. The appointment of a Global Head of AI in 2024 further signals serious investment in the future. Colgate-Palmolive’s data leaders are visible, credible voices externally helping to shape the broader dialogue around responsible AI and digital transformation.
What makes Colgate-Palmolive stand out is the combination of strategic clarity, operational execution, and cultural authenticity. It is evidently a place where data and AI professionals are trained, empowered, recognized, and embedded in the business.
