As the pace of technological innovation accelerates, few leaders are as well-equipped to navigate the complexities of AI and cloud transformation as Chris Oxborough. A seasoned technology expert with a career spanning leadership roles at KPMG and PwC, Chris is now preparing to transition into a portfolio career, focusing on advisory and board roles.
In our recent conversation, Chris explored the challenges of responsible AI deployment, the nuances of cloud transformation, and the growing importance of roles like Chief Data Officer (CDO) in driving value from technology.
One of Chris’s key areas of focus is helping organisations prepare for the EU AI Act, which introduces stringent regulations for AI deployment. “Many businesses don’t realise that even though the UK is no longer in the EU, the Act still applies if they’re offering services into the EU,” he notes.
The Act categorises AI use cases into prohibited, high-risk, limited risk and minimal or low-risk levels. This is alongside a separate tier for General Purpose AI systems. For example, real-time remote biometric identification (such as facial recognition) in public places for the purposes of law enforcement is prohibited unless specifically allowed by a Member State, while high-risk applications like AI in HR (e.g., CV scanning or recruitment) require stringent compliance measures.
The risks of non-compliance are significant. “Organisations deploying AI irresponsibly risk reputational damage, legal penalties, and even the loss of stakeholder trust,” he warns. There is also the potential for fines by the EU of up to EUR35,000,000 or 7% of the organisation’s total worldwide annual turnover for the preceding financial year.
Chris emphasises the importance of responsible AI deployment, particularly as generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini etc gain mainstream adoption. “The challenge with generative AI is its reliance on publicly available data, which often includes bias and inaccuracies,” he says.
He cites a cautionary tale from the US, where a lawyer used ChatGPT to draft a closing argument, only to discover that the AI-generated cases were entirely fabricated. “This highlights the importance of human oversight to ensure AI outputs are accurate and unbiased,” Chris stresses.
In addition to ethical considerations, Chris highlights the growing concern over synthetic data. “As AI models run out of fresh data on the internet, they will be increasingly trained on synthetic data, which can amplify bias and reduce reliability,” he explains.
Cloud migration remains a cornerstone of digital transformation, but Chris cautions against viewing it solely as a cost-saving measure. “Many organisations move infrastructure to the cloud without rethinking their business models,” he says. “This often leads to uncontrolled costs rather than meaningful transformation.”
Chris believes cloud adoption should be tied to broader business goals. “It’s not just about moving servers; it’s about leveraging the cloud to reinvent business models and deliver real value,” he explains.
He shares an example of a client consolidating multiple enterprise data warehouses into a single cloud-based platform. “The key question is: what value are you trying to extract from this data? Without a clear strategy, it’s just a costly exercise in data storage,” he warns.
Chris sees the Chief Data Officer (CDO) role as increasingly critical in today’s data-driven world. “CDOs are essential for centralising data strategies and driving value from organisational data,” he says.
He points to a PwC survey showing that companies with CDOs achieved faster growth than those without. “These organisations recognise the value of their data and have the leadership in place to extract that value,” Chris explains.
However, the role of the CDO is more than just overseeing data management. “It’s about creating a federated model where appropriate core capabilities are centralised, but data delivery remains agile and tailored to business needs,” he adds.
As AI and automation reshape industries, Chris highlights the need for a fundamental rethink of education and workforce training. “We don’t teach children how to deal with change or use technology effectively,” he laments.
He also warns of the risk of de-skilling the workforce. “If young professionals rely too heavily on AI for routine tasks, they may miss out on the foundational experiences needed for leadership roles,” he cautions.
Chris believes that embracing change and continuous learning will be crucial for the next generation. “The pace of technological advancement is unprecedented, and we need to prepare our workforce to adapt and thrive in this environment,” he says.
Chris retired from PwC at the end of 2024 to focus on impactful, project-based work. “I’m moving into more of a portfolio career,” he explains. “Whether it’s six-month contracts, NED roles, or board advisory positions, I want to focus on leveraging my expertise to help businesses navigate technology transformation responsibly.”
As Chris transitions into the next phase of his career, his focus remains on helping organisations harness technology responsibly and sustainably. “Whether it’s AI, cloud transformation, or data strategy, the key is aligning technology with business objectives and maintaining ethical oversight,” he concludes.
Chris’s insights serve as a reminder that technology is a tool, not a panacea. The organisations that succeed will be those that prioritise strategy, ethics, and adaptability – principles that Chris has championed throughout his career.
Drawing on decades of experience in technology transformation, AI ethics, and cloud strategy, Chris Oxborough offers a unique perspective on how organisations can adapt to an increasingly digital world. His expertise has been showcased through thought leadership on AI ethics and compliance with the EU AI Act, as well as speaking engagements at major events hosted by Google and AWS.
A seasoned technology expert with a career spanning leadership roles at KPMG and PwC, Chris has led transformative programmes across industries, focusing on aligning technology with business objectives. As he transitions into a portfolio career, Chris is dedicating his time to advisory and board roles, where his deep understanding of AI, cloud transformation, and ethical governance positions him as a trusted guide for organisations navigating the complexities of modern technology.
