#data-strategy

#data-strategy

Every search, purchase, loyalty swipe, location ping and scroll feeds systems that now shape pricing, product decisions, hiring and marketing strategies. Most founders understand this in theory, but few grasp the practical consequence: whether they intend to or not, they and their customers are already casting votes with their data. And those votes? They're usually cast passively, on someone else's terms.

Ellison is taking his data-focused strategy to a new level by elevating Jason Kim, Paramount's EVP of data and insights, to oversee data for the entire company, instead of just the direct-to-consumer division. The change was announced by Domenic DiMeglio - who heads up marketing as well as data and insights for Paramount's streaming division - in a Thursday afternoon staff meeting, a recording of which was obtained by Business Insider.

Data continues to be a clear differentiator in real estate, especially for those who want to grow in 2026. As Dan Duffy, founder and CEO of United Real Estate Group, explains, leaders who have doubled down on the importance of data hold a significant advantage. Duffy will kick off the Housing Economic Summit on Feb. 10, offering a roadmap for how leaders should interpret and use the data presented throughout the day.

"I need people who are empowered, keen, enthusiastic and willing to share knowledge," he says, outlining the importance of talent to the effective deployment of data-hungry systems and services in the digital age. Rather than finding a suitable challenge for a technology that's already been procured, Ruffle wants his team to engage with their functional peers. "As a data leader in business, success is all about people coming to us and saying, 'We've got a problem. Can you find the solution?'"

CTV ad spending is projected to reach $33.35 billion this year, while retail media's 19.7% growth will be more than double the growth in overall digital ad spending.