Governing Body Spotlight

Shiv is a globally recognized, consumer-centric, strategic and analytical leader who is currently driving subscriptions led growth for Gannett, one of the largest news organizations globally. He has a track record of delivering over $3 billion in net incremental revenue, through data-driven decisions and transformation at companies like PayPal, Dell Computers, Coca-Cola, Heineken, Hilton and CVS Health.

Learn more about leaders in the Washington, DC CDAO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

Growing up, there were three core areas that I was most excited about: Science, Mathematics, and later on Software Coding. At high school, I scored the highest grades in Computers at a national level, then went on to complete my college studies as a valedictorian in Mathematics, and finally did an MBA in Marketing. 

I started my career leading a large business unit for Asian Paints, a CPG business that is well respected for innovation in Southeast Asia. After a brief stint with business, I pivoted into data-driven marketing consulting with a cutting edge startup. My first clients were the senior executives at The Coca-Cola Company, both at their headquarters in Atlanta, as well as those heading up regions for TCCC across the Globe. 

From there onwards, I went to work for companies like Dell Computers, International Game Technology, PayPal, Heineken, Hilton, CVS Health, and now Gannett. My focus at these businesses was to leverage data engineering, advanced analytics, data science and machine learning to help optimize marketing performance, thereby driving net incremental growth. I see myself as a change agent, who believes in sustained growth driven by a futuristic mindset and pragmatic planning.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

Empathy should be at the core of how we think as well as how we act.
 

With disruption being a key theme of the past year, where do you see your role as a CDAO going in the next 1-2 years?

While disruption is absolutely critical and we need to constantly evaluate as well as challenge the status quo, it is imperative to ensure that there is an emphasis on the 'actionability' of all new ideas. I am focused on driving subscriber loyalty, ensuring we grow recurring business here at Gannett, which is one of the largest content businesses in the US. 

In the next 1-2 years, I see my role evolving into a leader who is accountable for growth acceleration through a cross-functional yet integrated team structure, where each member is focused on data-led innovation that is both actionable and measurable.
 

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the CDAO role?

I've been fortunate to drive change at some of the largest legacy businesses, as well as at startups, and often was responsible for building a new function from the ground up. When creating a new team or company or line of business, the single most important focus for a leader should be to gain the trust of both external stakeholders, as well as internal partners and team members. 

To gain the trust of others, start with diligent homework, and then build a robust strategy that is backed by a feasible roadmap. Ensure that you deliver several short-term (small) wins versus relying on the one 'big bang' that is expected over a long period of silence.
 

Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself.

1. I started my career as a producer and program host with a national television channel.
2. I love animals and grew up with 9 different species of pets.
3. I invented a social media performance tracking approach, leveraging radioactivity measurement principles and published a research paper in INFORMS journal in 2014.
    

What is the value of participating in a professional community through Evanta?

The ability to interface with senior leaders from across several industries, especially in your local region.

Evanta Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.

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