INNOVATION

Don Vu on the evolution of AI innovation and data leadership.

New York Life | February 26, 2025

Don Vu, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at New York Life, recently appeared on the “Technovation with Peter High” podcast to discuss AI and data modernization and reflect on his career as a data leader. Throughout the interview, Vu detailed how New York Life is leveraging AI and data-driven strategies to enhance customer and agent experiences, streamline operations and drive business growth.

As Vu explained, New York Life’s AI and data strategy is in lock step with the company’s business strategy, which prioritizes client and agent experiences. “What’s become a necessity as we shift towards a more customer-centric strategy is a solid data foundation,” he said. “When we think about the data foundation, that’s not just platforms. It’s a combination of people, processes and technology."

Vu also emphasized the importance of promoting a data-driven culture, pointing to New York Life’s hackathons and Data+Analytics+AI Expo as key initiatives that engage talent and promote innovation. he noted, "It’s not just about building tools and throwing them over a wall. It’s about having a data-driven culture and making the company AI-ready."

Vu concluded his discussion by sharing insights on how data leadership has evolved over the course of his career that has spanned numerous industries and countless advancements in AI innovation. “I feel very fortune to be a data leader in this moment in time,” Vu shared. “The wave of generative AI advancements has put a spotlight on so many different aspects of being a data leader.”

For more insights, listen to the full interview: “Becoming AI-Ready with New York Life Chief Data & Analytics Officer Don Vu.”