AGCO Corporation Just Hired an Agent of Change to Remodel Its AI Playbook

AGCO Corporation has appointed Kala Iyengar as its new Chief Data and AI Officer (CDAO), bringing a data expert with more than 20 years of experience to lead the company’s next phase of digital and AI transformation.

Her role will focus on building and scaling enterprise-wide data and AI strategies. This includes overseeing data governance, promoting responsible AI use, and helping AGCO create smarter, more connected farming systems.

A Data Leader with Deep Technical Roots

Kala comes with a wealth of experience in software engineering, big data development, data privacy, cybersecurity, and large-scale AI/ML projects. Over her career, she has earned a reputation as a leader who understands the complexity of enterprise data systems and knows how to simplify and operationalize them.

Most recently, she was Chief Data Officer at Delaware North, where she modernized the company’s data architecture and drove adoption of advanced analytics. Before that, she served as CDO at Cognizant, leading enterprise data strategy, compliance initiatives, and platform modernization for global clients.

Her most impactful work may have been at Equifax, where she spent over a decade. As Vice President of Data Privacy and Protection, she was instrumental in rebuilding data governance and privacy frameworks after the company’s major data breach. She also served as Senior Director of Technology for Data & Analytics and Core Software Engineering, playing a hands-on role in transforming Equifax’s data platforms.

Earlier in her career, Kala held technology consulting roles at World Financial Group and Swingvote, where she built her foundation in software engineering and IT systems.

The Right Leader at the Right Time

Kala describes herself as a data leader and “agent for change,” passionate about bridging the gap between data complexity and business value. Her belief in responsible and ethical use of consumer data aligns with AGCO’s goal to become a smart and data-driven agriculture company.

Her ability to synthesize complex data systems and communicate their value clearly has made her a trusted advisor to executive leadership throughout her career. She’s known for providing creative, value-oriented, and privacy-compliant solutions to real-world data issues. These skills will be invaluable as AGCO navigates AI and digital transformation in a regulated and fast-evolving global market.

As an Agile and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Kala brings a disciplined, outcomes-focused approach to building scalable, reliable data systems. Additionally, she strongly supports data literacy throughout the company, making sure teams have the authority to use data to inform daily choices.

Leading the Future of Smart Agriculture

AGCO has grown its digital capabilities by investing in a precision agriculture tech center in Bengaluru, launching connected fleet solutions, and entering strategic partnerships for AI-powered platforms. The company is also developing advanced machines, along with the data infrastructure and AI governance necessary to support them at scale. It is turning complex data from across its ecosystem, equipment, customers, dealers, and suppliers into meaningful insights that can improve farming outcomes.

In her new role, Kala will be responsible for leading AGCO’s enterprise data strategy, ensuring high-quality, accessible, and secure data to power everything from precision agriculture to smart supply chains.

She will oversee data governance frameworks that align with privacy standards like the NIST Privacy Framework, promote data democratization across the organization, and accelerate the responsible adoption of AI. Her expertise in data breach prevention, regulatory compliance, and data protection, including tools like Symantec DLP, data discovery, and encryption standards, will be critical to AGCO’s push for secure innovation.

“I’m excited to announce that I’ve joined AGCO Corporation as Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer. It’s an honor to lead data, AI, and automation efforts in support of AGCO’s Farmer-First vision and sustainable agriculture goals. Grateful to be part of a global team driving real impact in food production and innovation,” mentioned in a LinkedIn Post.