AI & Leadership Summit
AI & Leadership Summit
The AI & Leadership Summit is part of the Champions Growth Series and brings together leading voices from business and technology to explore the talent and thinking that drive long-term commercial success.
Sponsored by NED Advisor, this exclusive event will focus on two timely and important themes: AI in business and investment, and impact and diversity, including the growing importance of women in C-Suite and board-level roles.
Set in the iconic Kimpton Fitzroy in Russell Square, London, the summit is designed to give senior leaders and decision-makers practical insight into the opportunities and responsibilities shaping modern business. Guests will hear from internationally recognised experts, take part in high-level networking, and leave with fresh perspectives on innovation, governance, talent and transformation.
Who is the event for?
This event is designed for senior business leaders, board members, non-executive directors, founders, investors, advisers and ambitious decision-makers who want to better understand the connection between emerging technology and effective leadership.
It will be particularly valuable for those looking to understand how AI is creating value across business and investment, while also exploring how diverse leadership strengthens organisations from the top down. Whether your focus is growth, governance, innovation, talent or culture, this summit offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from individuals who have led transformation at the highest level.
Attendees will also benefit from meaningful networking with peers across industries, creating space for new opportunities.
Meet the Panellists
Our speaker line-up brings together world-class experts from AI, business, security, transformation and leadership. Across two panel sessions, guests will hear practical insight from some of the most respected names in their fields.
The first panel will examine AI in business and investment, while the second will focus on leadership at board level, as well as diversity and impact.
Simon Greenman
Co-founder and Head of AI in Best Practice AI
Simon Greenman is a globally recognised AI expert, entrepreneur and adviser with more than 25 years of experience helping organisations harness emerging technologies for strategic advantage. He is Co-founder and Head of AI at Best Practice AI, a Global Member of the World Economic Forum’s Global AI Council and The Global Innovators Community, and Co-President of the Harvard Business School Alumni.
He also co-founded MapQuest.com, the pioneering geospatial internet product that became the first major online mapping service, supporting 40 million users per month before being acquired by AOL for $1.1 billion.
At this event, Simon will speak about AI value creation and risk, offering insight into how organisations can unlock commercial advantage while managing the challenges and responsibilities that come with rapid adoption.
Daniel Hulme
Chief AI Officer for WPP
Daniel Hulme is one of the leading voices in artificial intelligence today. As Chief AI Officer for WPP and a four-time TEDx Speaker, he is known for helping organisations translate advanced AI into real business value.
He is the former CEO of Satalia, the AI company he sold for a reported $100 million, and has advised a range of major institutions including the UAE National AI Strategy, City AI and the UK Home Office.
Daniel brings a unique perspective on commercial AI, innovation at scale and the future of intelligent systems in business. His session will help attendees better understand how AI is shaping operational change and long-term strategy.
Didem Un Ates
Senior AI Strategist and Business Transformation Leader
Didem Un Ates has held senior positions across some of the world’s most influential organisations, including Former Head of Strategy, Data & AI at Microsoft, Managing Director of Data & AI at Accenture, and VP of AI Strategy & Innovation at Schneider Electric.
She is also a board member for the Forbes Tech Council and the World Economic Forum, a TechWomen100 Champion and Trailblazer 50, and currently serves as Senior Advisor to Goldman Sachs, including on its Global AI Council.
With deep expertise in strategy and enterprise AI, Didem offers a high-level view of how data and artificial intelligence are reshaping investment thinking and transformation across sectors.
Sarah Armstrong-Smith
Former Microsoft's Chief Security Advisor & Board Member
Sarah Armstrong-Smith is one of the UK’s most influential women in technology and cybersecurity. A former Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft and Board Member, she has also held senior roles including Head of Resilience & Cyber Security for Fujitsu and Group Head of Business Resilience & Crisis Management for the London Stock Exchange Group.
She is an Amazon No.1 best-selling author for Effective Crisis Management, a Fellow of the British Computer Society, a member of the Government Cyber Advisory Board, and an adviser to NATO and the UK Ministry of Defence. In 2025, she was voted both one of the Most Influential Women in UK Tech and the No.1 Woman in Cyber Security.
Sarah will bring a powerful leadership perspective to the discussion around diversity, resilience and impact at board level.
Dame Inga Beale
First Female CEO of Lloyds of London
Dame Inga Beale made history as the first female CEO of Lloyd’s of London in its 334-year history. A trailblazing business leader, she is widely recognised for championing inclusion and reshaping one of the world’s most established financial institutions.
During her tenure, she led Lloyd’s from a fully paper-based underwriting model to a predominantly digital one in just five years. She also founded the Dive In campaign to encourage diversity and support more women entering the insurance sector, which now operates in more than 70 cities worldwide.
Awarded a Damehood for services to the LGBT community and women in business, and named on the Outstanding & FT Leading LGBT Executive Power List, Dame Inga brings unmatched insight into inclusive leadership, change and governance. She is also an Independent NED for Willis Towers Watson.
Dr. Jo Salter MBE
Britain's First Female Fighter-Jet Pilot
Dr Jo Salter MBE is one of Britain’s most inspiring leadership figures. As Britain’s first female fighter-jet pilot, she broke barriers in one of the most demanding professional environments and has since built a distinguished career in leadership and transformation.
Named by the BBC as one of the 50 most inspiring women in the world, she now serves as PwC’s Global Transformational Leadership Lead and Director of People & Organisation.
Dr Jo brings a compelling perspective on courage, performance, leadership under pressure and what it takes to inspire confidence and change in high-stakes environments. Her contribution to the panel will add a powerful human dimension to the conversation around leadership and impact.
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An Iconic Setting For An Exclusive Gathering
The Kimpton Fitzroy, London | 1-8 Russell Sq, London WC1B 5BE
Nestled in the heart of London, the Kimpton Fitzroy offers the perfect backdrop for a high-level business event. This landmark five-star hotel combines timeless elegance with contemporary sophistication, creating a setting that is both impressive and welcoming.
On Wednesday 6th May, guests will arrive from 11:00am for networking, followed by a welcome from Matthew Hayes at 11:45am. At 12:00pm, Amir Qureshi will deliver a recruitment product talk before the first expert panel begins at 12:20pm, focused on AI in business and investment and hosted by Jason Bradbury.
Following a break at 1:05pm, the second panel at 1:25pm will explore leadership at board level, diversity and impact, before the event closes with networking from 2:10pm to 3:00pm.
Join us where innovation and leadership come together in one of London’s most iconic venues.