Vijay Rajandram is Chief Data Officer at Northern Trust Asset Management, where he leads data and AI strategy to drive innovation, strengthen governance, and enable a more data-driven organization. With more than 25 years of experience, Vijay has built a career focused on delivering transformative outcomes across both Fortune 500 companies and start-ups.
Vijay began his career in consulting, where he developed a strong foundation in understanding business problems before applying technical solutions. This early experience shaped his approach to data leadership, emphasizing listening, context, and alignment with business needs. Over time, Vijay expanded his expertise across the full data lifecycle, including data science, engineering, governance, and architecture, giving him a comprehensive view of complex systems and competing priorities.
His experience in start-ups further influenced his leadership style, encouraging a business-owner mindset, close engagement with customers, and the ability to navigate uncertainty while maintaining focus on outcomes. Working with global, cross-functional teams has also reinforced his belief in the value of diverse perspectives in solving complex challenges.
Throughout his career, Vijay has focused on building human-centered AI solutions supported by strong governance and scalable operating models. He is committed to fostering data-driven cultures that balance innovation with accountability.
Vijay’s leadership reflects a pragmatic, collaborative approach, grounded in continuous learning and a focus on translating data and AI capabilities into meaningful business impact.
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?
“Effective data and AI leadership demands a unique blend of traits and skills that drive organizational success in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven landscape. The ability to test innovations in a controlled environment demonstrates a leader’s commitment to risk management and iterative improvement.
“This approach fosters a culture of experimentation while ensuring that innovative solutions are robust and scalable before wider deployment. Having a hybrid central and federated model is another critical skill, as it enables leaders to balance agility with governance, accelerating progress without sacrificing oversight or strategic alignment.
“Influence by being an effective business-technical storyteller stands out as one of the most powerful traits. Leaders who can inspire cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and partners are able to align diverse interests toward common goals, ensuring buy-in for complex data and AI initiatives.
“Equally important is the willingness to make pragmatic decisions about buying, partnering, or building solutions. This trait reflects adaptability, strategic thinking, and resource optimization, which is crucial for organizations navigating rapidly evolving ecosystems of technology.
“Among these, influential storytellers have proven most impactful, as it underpins successful change management, adoption of modern technologies, and the cultivation of collaborative partnerships to achieve sustainable growth in the realm of data and AI.”
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?
“For aspiring data or AI leaders targeting the C-suite, my most valuable non-technical advice centers on becoming a true emphatic business partner and an influential storyteller. Go beyond technical mastery by immersing yourself in the core business—understand what drives results, what challenges keep executives up at night, and which levers can create meaningful impact.
“Build genuine relationships with C-suite leaders, discovering not just their priorities but also their personal motivations and decision-making styles.
“Focus on identifying high-impact use cases and evaluating organizational readiness to adopt data-driven solutions, ensuring your efforts align with business timing and capacity. Craft compelling narratives around your hypotheses, progress, and outcomes, using clear KPIs that resonate with stakeholders.
“Finally, develop a dynamic AI portfolio that balances centralized and federated elements, with mechanisms to share and evolve ideas across teams. Your ability to influence, communicate, and adapt will set you apart on the path to executive leadership.”