Episode Overview

In this episode of CDO Matters, Malcolm Hawker sits down with Yext Chief Data Officer Christian Ward to explore how AI is fundamentally reshaping the relationship between data and modern marketing.

As traditional playbooks built around search, SEO, and paid media begin to fracture, the conversation dives into what this shift means for CMOs—and why CDOs must step into a far more consultative and strategic role in guiding how organizations prepare their data for an AI-mediated customer journey.

The result is a thoughtful discussion on the emerging data realities behind AI-driven discovery, and what data leaders must do today to ensure their marketing partners remain visible, relevant, and competitive in an AI-first world.

Episode Links and Resources

Follow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn

Follow Christian Ward on LinkedIn