AI & Leadership Summit
Wednesday 6th May 2026 11am-3pm | Kimpton Fitzroy, London
The AI & Leadership Summit, part of the Champions Growth Series, brings together leading voices from business and technology to explore the thinking and talent driving long‑term commercial success.
Sponsored by NED Advisor, the event focuses on two defining themes: the growing impact of AI in business and investment, and Women Shaping the Boardroom, highlighting the rising influence of women in C‑Suite and board‑level roles.
Hosted at the Kimpton Fitzroy in Russell Square, the summit offers senior leaders practical insight, expert perspectives, and the opportunity to connect with peers 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 over 25 years’ experience helping organisations harness emerging technologies for strategic advantage. He is Co‑founder and Head of AI at Best Practice AI, a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global AI Council, and Co‑President of the Harvard Business School Alumni. He also co‑founded MapQuest.com, the pioneering online mapping service later acquired by AOL for $1.1 billion.
At this event, Simon will discuss AI value creation and risk, offering insight into unlocking commercial advantage while managing rapid‑adoption challenges.
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 held senior roles including Head of Resilience & Cyber Security at Fujitsu and Group Head of Business Resilience & Crisis Management at the London Stock Exchange Group.
An Amazon No.1 best‑selling author, she is 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.
Sarah will offer a powerful perspective on diversity, resilience and board‑level impact.
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, becoming a trailblazing leader known for championing inclusion and modernising one of the world’s oldest financial institutions. She led Lloyd’s transformation from a paper‑based underwriting model to a predominantly digital one within five years and founded the global Dive In diversity campaign, now active in more than 70 cities.
Awarded a Damehood for services to the LGBT community and women in business, she brings deep insight into inclusive leadership, governance and change. She also serves as an Independent NED at 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 the UK’s first female fighter‑jet pilot, she broke barriers in one of the most demanding professional environments before building 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 offers a compelling perspective on courage, performance and leadership under pressure, bringing a powerful human dimension to the conversation around impact and change.
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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.