Meta names Alex Schultz as first Chief Data Officer

MUMBAI: At Meta, the next big promotion isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder, it’s about following the data trail. The tech giant has appointed longtime executive Alex Schultz as its first-ever Chief Data Officer (CDO), creating a new leadership role that underscores the company’s growing reliance on artificial intelligence to power decision-making across its business.

The appointment marks a strategic shift as Meta looks to strengthen the data infrastructure underpinning its AI ambitions, from consumer products to internal analytics and business intelligence.

Schultz, who has spent years leading Meta’s global marketing, analytics and growth functions, announced the move on LinkedIn. In his new role, he will focus on reshaping how the company learns and makes decisions by building stronger foundations for AI-powered analytics, experimentation, research and strategic insights.

The newly created CDO position reflects Meta’s belief that conventional approaches to analysing consumer behaviour and business performance are no longer sufficient in an AI-first world. Instead, the company is investing in data systems capable of supporting increasingly intelligent and automated decision-making.

Over the next six months, Schultz will oversee the development of an AI-driven data architecture designed to enhance analytics, experimentation and business intelligence across Meta’s operations.

One of Meta’s longest-serving executives, Schultz has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s growth strategy, overseeing not only global marketing but also user research, competitive intelligence and strategic insights presented to the company’s board.

The leadership reshuffle also sees Denise Moreno, previously Vice President of Consumer Marketing and Growth, promoted to Chief Marketing Officer. She will now lead Meta’s global marketing organisation as the company continues expanding its portfolio of AI-powered consumer products, advertising technologies and business messaging services.

The appointments come as Meta accelerates artificial intelligence initiatives across virtually every part of its business from Meta AI and AI-powered smart glasses to the advertising platforms that remain its largest source of revenue.

As the race to dominate AI intensifies, Meta’s latest leadership changes suggest that data is no longer simply supporting the business, it is increasingly becoming the business strategy itself.