Report warns of mounting pressures on data leaders

A new report has highlighted the growing pressures facing senior data leaders as organisations increasingly rely on data and artificial intelligence to drive decision-making.

Published by Newcastle-headquartered data solutions company Seriös Group, the Chief Information Overload report found that 87 per cent of UK data leaders say their responsibilities have increased since taking on a senior role, with cybersecurity, governance and AI among the biggest challenges.

The research draws on a survey of more than 100 data leaders, alongside industry roundtables and expert interviews, to examine how the role of chief data officers and senior data professionals is evolving.

According to the report, many leaders are now expected to improve data quality, strengthen governance, manage cyber risks, enable AI adoption and support wider business strategy.

However, responsibility for creating, managing and using data often remains spread across multiple departments.

Seriös describes this disconnect as the ‘Data Responsibility Rift’ – a gap between the accountability placed on senior data leaders and the level of control they have over the systems, processes and behaviours needed to deliver results.

Lee Rorison, founder and chief executive of Seriös Group, said: “We are no longer trying to convince organisations that data matters; that job is done. 

“For data to operate as a true business asset, organisations need the structure, governance and clarity to support it.” 

The findings suggest the increasing demands are beginning to take their toll.

While around half of respondents said they are meeting expectations comfortably, almost 40 per cent reported feeling overstretched, uncomfortable or close to burnout.

Cybersecurity and data protection emerged as the most common pressure, cited by half of respondents.

Data governance and quality followed at 40 per cent, while 35 per cent highlighted AI readiness and enablement as a growing priority.

The report argues that the rapid adoption of AI is intensifying existing challenges by increasing demand for accurate, well-governed data.

Without strong data foundations, it warns, organisations risk introducing inconsistency into decision-making rather than improving it.

Adam Brown, head of data strategy and architecture at Seriös Group, added: “We can see a clear gap between how important data has become and how organisations are structured to support it. 

“Data leaders are being asked to influence decisions, manage risk and enable AI, often without clear ownership or alignment across the business. 

“Closing that gap is not a technology challenge alone. 

“It requires ownership, governance, environment and capability to work together as a coordinated system.” 

Lee added: “This is the reality of Chief Information Overload. 

“There isn’t a shortage of information, there is too much of it, combined with an expectation that it should always deliver. 

“But for data leaders, the opportunity is in bridging that gap. 

“Not by adding more, but by creating the conditions where data can be trusted, understood and used consistently across the organisation. 

“More data isn’t the answer, clarity is.” 

To address the issue, the report identifies four priorities: clearer ownership of data across organisations; stronger governance frameworks; more structured data environments; and broader capability development combining technical expertise with commercial and communication skills.

When asked what would make the biggest difference, respondents highlighted stronger executive support, improved data quality, simpler technology platforms and clearer accountability for data across the wider business.

Seriös Group said the findings demonstrate that while data has become central to business strategy, organisations must ensure responsibility for managing it is shared more effectively if leaders are to deliver sustainable long-term outcomes.

To download the report, click here.

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