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Gartner Expert
Joel Backaler
Director Analyst
Joel Backaler is a Director, Analyst focused on Data & Analytics & AI governance with a focus on AI risk and security in the Data & Analytics Practice. He has more than 15 years of experience in the business and technology insights industry. He is devoted to helping CDAOs and AI leaders embed AI risk, cybersecurity, and privacy considerations into their governance models, navigate shared accountability with security and risk leaders, and translate AI governance principles into measurable, executive-level oversight.
Previous experience
Throughout his career, Joel has partnered with C-Level executives to advise them on their data, analytics, AI and risk management programs. Prior to joining the D&A team, Joel was an analyst in Gartner's corporate assurance practice, covering enterprise risk management, risk technology and analytics supporting Chief Risk Officers, Heads of ERM and CISOs. Previously, Joel was head of strategy for the enterprise risk management division of a publicly listed risk technology firm focused on cybersecurity, physical security, geopolitical risk and macroeconomic insights. His client experience includes executive engagements across North America, APAC, EMEA and LATAM, and he was previously based in China and Singapore.
Joel has a deep understanding of how to work with senior business leaders to help identify and support their mission critical priorities. He has authored two books on risk-related topics, "China Goes West" (Geopolitical Risk) and "Digital Influence," (Reputational Risk) which has led to speaking engagements and executive briefings worldwide. Joel is a Fulbright Scholar and is fluent in Mandarin.
Professional background
FiscalNote, Head of Strategy, Global Intelligence/ERM Division, 2 years
FrontierView, Managing Director, Risk Technology, 4 years
Frontier Strategy Group, Director, Risk Management Practice, 9 years
Areas of coverage
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Improve D&A Literacy and Drive Change
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Develop a D&A Operating and Organization Model
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Build a D&A-Aligned AI Governance Framework
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Evolve Best Practices for D&A and AI Governance Programs
Education
B.A., Economics & East Asian Studies, Connecticut College
Fulbright Scholar
Certified in Artificial Intelligence & Business Strategy, MIT Sloan
Certified in Global Business Management, Georgetown University
Top Issues That I Help Clients Address
Maturing Data Governance (e.g., data governance model, data stewardship, data governance policies)
Building a scalable and sustainable AI Governance Operating Model
Effectively managing data and AI risk
Creating a data, analytics and/or AI literacy program
Bridging the data security overlap between CDAO and CISO