Ricardo Crepaldi
Global Director Data Foundation
BASF
Ricardo Crepaldi is a Data & Analytics executive with 20+ years of experience leading global teams and a proven track record of successful data achievements. He has been at BASF Germany since 2010, where he is responsible for the global Data Foundation organisation, accumulating experiences both in the operational and strategic fields.
Learn more about the DACH CDAO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I always had a passion for technology and innovation. Even before starting my career in Information Systems, I used to consult families, friends and acquaintances on how best to use their PCs and programs.
Right after my graduation, I started my corporate career at "Editora" Abril, the largest publishing company in Brazil, in the area of Database Administration. In 2001, I joined Bunge and was responsible for mission critical systems and databases. In 2002, my career at BASF started, firstly in Brazil, accumulating experience along project management, operation and leadership. At that time, to enhance my business knowledge I completed an MBA in Business Administration.
In 2010, I moved to Germany and since then I have held multiple leadership roles across Operational Divisions, R&D and Digitalization, implementing projects in the area of application development, data and analytics in all the regions across the globe.
Since 2018, I have served BASF as Global Director Data Foundation, being responsible for the entire Data Platform and all the competencies (from ingestion to analytics) to make the data available for the whole organisation.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
At the end of the day, everything is about people and relationships. Make the team aware of the strategic goals and business needs, and show them how their daily work contributes to it. Be open and transparent even in difficult times. Foster an environment of trust and mutual development.
With disruption being a key theme of recent years, where do you see the CDAO role going in the next 1-2 years?
With the explosion of Cloud services and the avalanche of available data, companies (not only technology ones) began to perceive data no longer as a byproduct but as an asset. Now, companies are investing not only in technology, but also in a greater awareness, mindset and culture of data. Data is closer to business than IT as never before (by the way, where they belong).
With the recent emergence of AI, the area of data becomes even more important and issues beyond technology, such as ethics and data sovereignty, become part of our agendas. The CDO's role will be increasingly related to the business and will be a fundamental part of creating disruptive solutions for the future.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a CDAO?
Take time to understand the business, their demands and challenges, and only after start to talk about data and how it can support the business. Master the art of translating complex IT and data concepts into business digestible terms. Get used to being the bridge between the technical and the strategic and regardless of how innovative and advanced a new technology may be, always focus on return on investment and adherence to the business strategy.
Tell us a few fun facts about yourself.
- Despite being born in Brazil, I don't have the common stereotype of being a football fan or attending carnival parties (but yes, I like barbecue).
- I am a cat lover with two beloved and cute kitties at home.
- I love to spend time with my family travelling together.
What is the value of joining an Evanta community?
I strongly believe in the power of communities with their countless possibilities of connections and mutual support and development. Being part of such a strong platform with so many senior leaders gives me not only the possibility to continue to learn, but also to influence others and advocate this topic which I believe so much: the power of data.
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