Scott’s standing among North America’s leading data and AI executives rests on a career that combines longevity with repeated, tangible reinvention as few leaders have operated across as many layers of the data stack. What distinguishes his leadership is a consistent focus on commercial outcomes by aligning data and AI investments with P&L drivers, embedding analytics into core operations, and ensuring transformation programs survive beyond initial rollout. His work applying GenAI to marketing transformation reflects a pragmatic approach of sequencing change in line with organizational readiness instead of chasing novelty. In a sector where complexity and regulation often slow progress, Scott’s ability to couple execution discipline with a business owner’s mindset marks him out as a leader who turns data ambition into sustained enterprise value.
Scott Richardson is Chief Data and Analytics Officer at First Citizens Bank, bringing more than three decades of experience at the intersection of technology, data, and business leadership.
He began his career as a financial systems consultant at a leading global consulting firm, working in more than 20 countries and gaining early exposure to large-scale transformation across diverse markets. He later founded two consulting companies, operating both internationally and in the US, where he focused on delivering technology and data solutions with clear commercial impact.
Richardson spent 13 years at Capital One in senior technology roles, including leading the build-out of the company’s first enterprise data warehouse. He concluded his tenure as Head of Technology for the retail consumer and small business bank, overseeing mission-critical platforms supporting millions of customers.
He then transitioned fully into enterprise data leadership, serving as Chief Data Officer at Fannie Mae and subsequently as Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Ally Financial, a leading all-digital bank. In these roles, he drove modernization of data ecosystems, strengthened governance, and embedded analytics into core decision-making processes.
Across the arc of his career, Richardson has balanced deep technical expertise with a business owner’s mindset. His leadership philosophy centers on aligning data strategy with measurable outcomes, ensuring that technology investments translate into durable competitive advantage and sustained enterprise value.
As a data and AI leader, which traits and skills do you think matter most, and which of those have been most influential for you in your current position?
“Curiosity and a learning mindset are key for data and AI leaders. Technology and data science are evolving at such a rapid pace that a willingness to take a learner’s mindset every day is an essential characteristic.
“Leadership adaptability is also key to success. Sometimes it is important for you as data and AI leader to state confidently the path forward and to forge a path, and at other times it is important to allow others space to learn and lead at their own pace and a degree of freedom to shape their own destiny. Striking the right balance will allow you to be a good partner and influential leader.”
Reflecting on your career, what is one non-traditional piece of advice (outside of technical skills) you would give to an aspiring data or AI leader aiming for the C-suite?
“Remember that AI is a People business. It’s not all about the technology and the data science. In the end, many different types of people in different roles need to understand and adopt AI. Communication and influence skills are very helpful.”