Chris Daden

Chris Daden is the Chief Technology Officer at Criteria, a global Talent Success platform operating at the center of the Future of Work. Criteria helps organizations measure real talent signals through more than 80 million assessments delivered worldwide in over 25 languages, enabling fairer, more predictive hiring and development decisions. Backed by over $65 million in private growth equity investment, Criteria works with 4,000+ leading global organizations to move beyond static credentials toward dynamic, skills-based insights that reflect true capability and potential. Chris is a multi-time founder and technology executive with deep expertise in artificial intelligence, including applied AI systems, model fine-tuning, and frontier model development. His work focuses on how AI is reshaping work, education, and human capital strategy at scale. He regularly advises leaders on the intersection of technology, workforce transformation, and organizational design, and frequently speaks globally as a keynote presenter, podcast guest, and industry contributor. He is a contributor to the Forbes Technology Council and Forbes Young Executives Council, and serves as the founding technology advisor for The Hungry Lab, a global initiative working alongside the United Nations to advise and support startups worldwide. Chris also leads SoCal Tech Forum, one of Southern California’s largest technology non-profits, dedicated to educating companies and communities on emerging and disruptive technologies. Chris brings a data-driven perspective on Work 4.0, the future of education, and how organizations can design talent systems that prioritize adaptability, equity, and long-term human potential in an AI-driven world.