Who in an organization has primary responsibility and knowledge of data management?

The primary responsibility and knowledge of data management within an organization typically resides with the data owner. The data owner is the individual or role within an organization that has the authority to make decisions about the data, including its use, security, and access. This position involves a thorough understanding of the data's value and the proper handling procedures to ensure it is managed according to organizational policies and compliance requirements.

Data owners are responsible for defining data classifications, setting access controls, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the information. They also typically establish guidelines for data use and are accountable for any data-related decisions. This level of responsibility is crucial for maintaining the organization’s data governance and management strategies.

While other roles, such as senior managers, data custodians, and chief information security officers, play important parts in data management and security, they do not possess the same level of ownership and accountability concerning specific data assets. Senior managers often oversee broader organizational strategies, data custodians focus on the implementation and operational aspects of data management, and the chief information security officer primarily safeguards organizational data against security threats rather than managing it directly.