Chad Engelgau, CEO, Acxiom

In two words? Constant change. I’ve spent the last 25 years obsessed with problem solving in the data and tech industry. Data and technology underpin everything we do and they’re the driving force behind almost every major global business transformation. Businesses are being challenged and transforming all around us at unbelievable speeds. However, the core problem remains the same - people want relevant experiences and brands need to grow. Neither can happen without the intelligence data provides.  

However, to create and leverage that intelligence, you must continually learn and expand your skillsets. I’ve purposely sought a variety of leadership positions that have given me exposure to every area of data-driven marketing in both B2C and B2B brands, from product strategy and development, to building and deploying technology, to marketing and sales. This breadth of experiences allows me to provide strategic leadership to our clients, which ultimately leads to their growth. 

I’m also passionate about diversity of thought and experience in our industry; we need everyone at the table.  At Acxiom, I’m a founding member of our IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness) Council and the executive sponsor for two of our Business Resource Groups, Acxiom Women LEAD and Acxiom Black Employee Network. I also serve on the board of directors for the Ad Council and the Interactive Advertising Bureau’s Measurement, Addressability and Data Council. Through outlets like Fast Company, The Drum, Gizmodo, Insider and AdExchanger, I regularly share advice for c-suite executives to help demystify our industry.