Witad Awards 2026: Market data professional of the year—Colette Garcia, Bloomberg

What is your position within your firm?
Colette Garcia, Bloomberg: Global head of enterprise data real-time content at Bloomberg.

How long have you been in the financial services industry?
Garcia: I’ve worked in the market data industry for over 20 years.

How did you get into the industry? Was it a conscious decision or did you “fall” into it?
Garcia: After completing a degree in electronic and computer engineering, I was drawn to roles that combined both hardware and software. My first position at Fidelity Market Data was an exciting introduction to the industry.  The role involved working on high-performance applications running on highly tuned infrastructure and networks. The technical complexity, combined with the nuance of financial data, immediately captured my interest and set the direction for my career.

What does your day-to-day role entail?
Garcia: I lead the strategy and delivery of real-time data products, focused on creating high-impact content that combines evolving market signals with scalable, efficient technology. My role involves aligning product, engineering and commercial teams to deliver solutions that help clients respond to markets faster, automate workflows, and integrate data seamlessly across their front-to-back operations.

What single project/piece of work are you most proud of during your career in the industry to date?
Garcia: I’m most proud of the evolution and continued success of Bloomberg’s real-time market data feed, B-PIPE, particularly the recent introduction of real-time event-driven data. By expanding beyond traditional data delivery into actionable signals, we enabled clients to move faster and automate decision-making in increasingly volatile markets. Seeing clients adopt these capabilities and hearing how they’ve transformed workflows and strategy has been especially rewarding.

Be open to opportunities, even if they don’t look like the path you originally had in mind. Don’t feel you need to follow a rigid plan. Focus on doing your best work in whatever you’re doing, and the right opportunities will come. Sometimes what feels like a sideways move can end up being the most valuable step forward

What are you currently working on and what makes it significant in the context of your position?
Garcia: I’m focused on expanding our core real-time datasets while improving the discoverability and usability of that data. As data volumes continue to grow, making it easier for clients to find, access and integrate relevant data is critical. This work is significant because it positions our products for the future, supporting how clients will consume data across applications, workflows, and increasingly, through automated systems.

To what extent were you helped during your career by a mentor/role model within the business?
Garcia: I’ve been fortunate to learn from a number of strong mentors and role models throughout my career. At different stages, I’ve actively sought guidance from senior leaders, peers, and my own team. Being open to feedback and different perspectives has been critical to my growth. Those relationships have helped shape my leadership style and reinforced the importance of supporting and developing others in turn.

To what extent does your firm have a formalized framework that seeks to identify and promote talented women and ensure they have every opportunity to realize their ambitions and contribute to the business?
Garcia: Bloomberg fosters an inclusive environment for all through a range of formal and informal networks that support women across technology, product, and working-parent communities. These are complemented by an open and accessible management culture that encourages growth, mobility and opportunity. Together, these frameworks help identify and develop talent while ensuring women are supported in progressing their careers and contributing meaningfully to the business.

What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome during your career in the industry to date?
Garcia: One of the biggest challenges was balancing the demands of a senior career with becoming a parent. I had been used to fully focusing on my role, so it took time to adjust both practically and mentally. Learning to make space for both, and accepting that balance needs ongoing attention, has made me more effective and present in both my work and home life.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far during your career?
Garcia: I’ve learned not to be overly critical of myself and to be willing to take risks. Some of the biggest opportunities come from stepping outside your comfort zone. I’ve also learned the importance of taking time to think more strategically, rather than always focusing on immediate execution.

What would you advise women just entering the industry?
Garcia: Take risks and try to see yourself as others see you, rather than being overly self-critical. Be open to opportunities, even if they don’t look like the path you originally had in mind. Don’t feel you need to follow a rigid plan. Focus on doing your best work in whatever you’re doing, and the right opportunities will come. Sometimes what feels like a sideways move can end up being the most valuable step forward.

What does this award mean to you?
Garcia: It means a lot to have my work recognized, and it’s given me a chance to step back and reflect on what I’ve achieved so far. It’s also really special to share this with my team and my family—seeing how proud and excited they are makes it even more meaningful.