About
As a visionary AI and innovation leader with over 20 years of experience in marketing, I'm now focussing my career on AI-driven innovation at the intersection of technology and business. My role as an independent AI researcher and developer complements my position at Omnicom Media Group UK, where I'm committed to driving responsible AI development and its practical application in marketing.
My unique blend of marketing expertise and technological acumen allows me to bridge the gap between AI's potential and its real-world applications. I'm passionate about transforming complex AI concepts into practical solutions that enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.
Chief AI & Innovation Officer @ OMG UK
In my role at OMG UK, I spearhead our organisation's AI strategy and business transformation initiatives, leading the AI Centre of Excellence to develop cutting-edge solutions that reshape how we operate and serve our clients.
Key responsibilities include:
- Being a prominent industry thought leader on AI and its impact on marketing and advertising on a 2–5-year horizon.
- Identifying opportunities for innovation and adoption of new technologies.
- Leading research efforts to identify emerging capabilities four our business and our clients.
- Providing strategic guidance and consultancy to OMG UK agencies and clients on how to leverage AI solutions.
- Leading the creation and deployment of AI-focused L&D programs for our internal teams and clients.
- Providing OMG UK board with insights and direction on AI’s role in business growth, client services, and internal operations.
My focus on AI education is enabling OMG UK to navigate the rapidly evolving technology landscape, driving innovation, and setting new industry standards.
As an independent AI researcher and developer, I'm actively engaged in several projects that deepen my understanding of artificial intelligence and contribute to the field:
- Developing comprehensive benchmarks to assess marketing capabilities of LLMs, including a database of 2,800+ multiple-choice questions across various marketing disciplines
- Exploring how we can develop important product features that will evolve generative AI chatbots into more personalised digital companions
- Active participant in the Advertising Association's AI taskforce and key contributor to industry principles for generative AI in advertising
- Author of a weekly AI newsletter, The Blueprint, focusing on AI developments and their impact on society
- Creator of a proof-of-concept generative AI chatbot with memory capabilities, exploring the potential of more personalized AI interactions in marketing contexts
As an advocate for neurodiversity and mental health awareness, I frequently speak about these topics. My late-life autism diagnosis has given me a unique perspective on problem-solving and innovation in the AI space.
Since experiencing burnout followed by depression and anxiety in 2017, I've been openly sharing my mental health experiences. I believe that by speaking about mental health and neurodiversity, we encourage others to share their stories, which is the best way to break down stigma.
My autism diagnosis in 2022 has further enriched my advocacy work, allowing me to share insights on both mental health and autistic experiences.